French wine and spirits exports again performed well in 2007, reaching a turnover of €9.3 billion, up 6.3% compared to 2006. Wines, worth €6.67 billion increased by 8.3% and spirits exports rose by 3.3% to reach €2.64 billion. 2007 was also a record year for champagne, with exports increasing by 4.7% in volume and by 10.4% in value to reach €2.36 billion. Still wines have increased by 1.6% in volume and 8.6% in value terms, but with irregular performances in different regions. With regard to spirits, cognac has grown yet again by 5.9% in volume and 11.9% in value. (Source Décision: Boissons)

Champagne deliveries grew by 5.3% from 321.6 million bottles in 2006 to 338.7 million by 31^st December 2007. 187.7 million bottles were sold in France (up 3.7%), 91.5 million in the European Union (up 9.9%) and 59.5 million in other countries (up 4.7%). If this substantial growth in volumes sold continues, the 2007 harvest that will be offered for sale in 2010 will not be sufficient to meet the demand.(Source: Décision Boissons)

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)