Statistics from the government’s National Wine Institute show that in the first two months of 2008 wine exports rose 40% over last year in value and 27% in volume. In February alone, exports grew 52% in dollar value. (Source: Decanter.com)

In the first quarter of 2008, Campari Group posted sales of €190.9 million, a decrease of 2.9%. This is made up of a 7.2% drop in the spirits division, while wines increased by 3.3%. (Source: VSB)

Having reached 20 million cases in 2006, Tequila consumption had grown by 24% from 1998. This is a very concentrated market with the ten leading consumer countries drinking 92% of the world total. The two leaders are the US with its high numbers of Mexican immigrants accounting for 50% of consumption and the home of Tequila, Mexico, with 35%. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale / The IWSR)

Slovenia becomes the eighth member of the European Confederation of Independent Winegrowers (CEVI), joining Spain, France, UK, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal and Hungary. (Source: VSB)

The governing body for Navarra wines will allow a number of international grape varieties. Winemakers will be allowed to plant and produce wines made with syrah, pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, although it has yet to decide whether these varieties will eventually be allowed to come under the DO system. (Source: Harpers)

With a booming demand from a new generation of wine amateurs and the rise in wine exchanges expected around Hong Kong in the Asian market, prices of Australian super premium red wines are up. 2007 has seen a growth of 20 %. In that category, prices would go up by 6 % per year over the last few years. (Source: The Daily Telegraph)

Castel, one of the France’s largest wine producers, become the First French company to start large scale vineyard plantations in Ethiopia, investing about €5.7 million. The aim is to start supplying both local and East African markets with wines of international quality and style. Castel’s first Ethiopian vintage is expected to be in 2011. (Source: Wine Business International)