Beans Boughton is a wine buyer based in the UAE working for MMI as fine wine category manager. Beans is a confident communicator, eager to engage with fellow consumers at all stages of their wine journeys. Beans’ passion for wine began rummaging around Gloucestershire wine cellars at a young age. After studying Ancient History at UCL his professional engagement with wine started at Oddbins. Following a foray into the world of banking, Beans joined the team at Planet of the Grapes, completing the WSET Diploma in 2009 and moving from van driver to running a fine wine shop, bar and restaurant in the City. He gained experience buying wine in the cash and carry, and wholesale distribution sectors before moving to the U.A.E. to join MMI.

Current employer: MMI

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy, Communication

Industry sector(s): Agency/Importer, Buying, Consultant, Distribution, Import/Export, International trade, Market access, Marketing, Off trade, On trade, Project management, Sales, Wine judge

Market expertise: Indian Ocean, UAE, United Kingdom

Specialisms: Distribution, HORECA, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Importation, Independent retail, Marketing wine, Restaurant wines, Routes to market, Supplier/customer relationships, Training, Wine judging