The beverage that is most preferred by top managers is wine. This is true in record proportions in two major producer countries: France where 82% of top managers prefer wine and Italy where 81% of top managers declare this preference. Top executives in other countries also massively prefer wine: Belgium (72%), the Netherlands (70%) and UK (67%). However, only 31% of  German top managers say they like wine best. (Source: VSB)

A wine auction in Hong Kong has raised an Asian record of more than 8 million dollars, highlighting the region’s growing passion for fine vintages. “The sale was a landmark event in the history of the wine market in Asia. The result is a testament to the strength of the wine market in Asia and Hong Kong’s leading role as a regional hub of fine and rare wines”, said the auction director. (Source: AFP)

Data from the New Zealand Winegrowers showed 285 000 tonnes of grapes, were harvested in 2008. The increase is due to a combination of an increase producing area and favourable growing conditions in most regions over the summer months, which bodes well for the new season’s wines. (Source: Harpers)

Burgundy organic winegrowing continues to grow and now covers 3.1% of the total area of the appellation. In 2007, Burgundy had 104 organic estates, 26% more than in 2006. (Source: VITI)

German wine imports were up by 10% in volume and 16% in value in February 2008. 82% of all imported wines came from member states in the European Union. With just over 6m hectolitres, Italy maintained the pole position. Spain, with 2,46m hectolitres, outpaced France at 2.42m hectolitres. In value, though, France still carries twice Spain’s weight. Chile and South Africa are the two largest New World origins, with 25% and 35% growth respectively. (Source: Wine Business International)

According to Baron de Ley’s managing director, too many Riojas have become a single varietal wine. “Rioja has become Tempranillo and Tempranillo has become Rioja but Garnacha should play a greater role in making more fruity wine easier to drink”, he said. In the past 15 years Tempranillo plantings have almost doubled to 49,300 hectares and represents 78% of plantings. In the same period, Garnacha plantings have fallen by one-third to 6800ha. (Source: Harpers.com)

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)