Given current concerns about the way Robin von Holdt and his Top 100 competition goes about things, this press release from the former publishers of his booklet might be of general interest.

PRESS RELEASE BY CHEVIOT PUBLISHING

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Cheviot Publishing announced today that it has terminated its publishing agreement with Top100 Wines and their representatives on Friday 17 February 2012. Cheviot Publishing, a boutique publisher specialising in wine-related publications, acted solely as supplier and print advisor in terms of publishing the Top100 2011 title and was not involved in the wine or wine-list competitions.

"The relationship with Top100 became increasingly strained over time" said Elmari Swart of Cheviot Publishing. "We were hardly surprised when the notice arrived that Top100 would "self-publish" their next attempt of the booklet". Top100 started to actively cannibalize some of Cheviot Publishing's professional relationships with suppliers and distributors and appears intent to continue doing so.

Says Ms Swart: "We got wind of matters running awry when international distributors received direct instructions from Top100 - in so doing depleting their entire stock - and suppliers started to receive direct work orders, again from Top100, to produce work not for the publisher, but for Top100 instead. Such actions are frowned upon by the publishing industry and do not constitute an ethical working relationship."

Cheviot Publishing is, and will continue to be, committed to researching, writing and publishing titles on wine for the advance of the South African wine industry as well as publications on wine in general. "While we expand our custom publishing to include titles on travel, food and eco-business, wine will always be our core topic. We value our relationships with suppliers, clients, distributors, readers and the media and we continue our commitment to good business ethics, transparency and loyalty", concludes Ms Swart.

For more on Cheviot Publishing visit www.cheviot-publishing.com