From 31 March 2008, Constellation Wines Australia replaces the trading name of the Hardy Wine Company. The name change is designed to allow the Hardys brand to return to being a winery rather than a corporation. Constellation Wines Australia’s portfolio includes Thomas Hardy, Amberley, Banrock Station, Bay of Fires, Goundrey and Tintara. (Source: Harpers)

Eleven years after taking over Finca Flichman in Argentina, Sogrape, the leading Portuguese wine group has confirmed that it intends to pursue its expansion abroad by acquiring Chateau Los Boldos in Chile, the property belonging to Frenchman Dominique Massenez. (Source: VSB)

French group Pernod Ricard has been chosen by the Swedish government to take over Vin & Spirit Group, owner of Absolut vodka the fourth largest selling spirits brand in the world. By putting €5.6 billion euros on the table, Pernod Ricard becomes worldwide leader in premium vodkas and the second largest spirits group after the British group Diageo. The Swedish state, which controlled Vin & Spirit, sent out a tender for which two American groups and a Swedish organisation returned bids.

Pernod Ricard expects to find savings of between 125 and 150 million euros from synergies after the take-over. (Source: Les Echos)

The Grand Hyatt and Renaissance Hotel, which offer the closest rooms to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre are already full for Vinexpo Asia-Pacific. They have been completely booked up by the large number of exhibitors and the crowd of visitors, who plan to attend the event. Please book your accommodation now with the exhibition’s partner hotels – the list is available on www.vinexpo.com. (Source: Vinexpo)

The first album of the Japanese manga entitled Kami no Shizuku (“The drops of God”), which makes several references to the great wines of Burgundy and their qualities is due to be published in French in early April. In Asia, the impact of this cartoon on wine sales has been substantial. This is especially clear in South Korea, where Burgundy used to be little drunk and where sales have now grown by 20%. (Source: Vinexpo)

Visitors and journalists, order your electronic badges on the special web pages reserved for your use on www.vinexpo.com. All you have to do is fill in the form to receive your electronic badge; it is simple and fast. Once printed, this badge is what you use to obtain your customised badge when you arrive at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre – without having to wait in the queue! (Source: Vinexpo)

As Spain allocates 13 million euros to promote wines and in the US, consumers still refer excitedly to the French Paradox, France remains incapable of defending the message that drinking wisely is part of wise living.

Yet moderate, responsible wine drinking, far from threatening health, helps combat alcoholism and turns wine into a cultural, business and social vehicle that is distinct to each producing country. (Source: Vinexpo)