At the end of April 2008, after several months of slowing business since the peak reached in October 2007, year-to-date deliveries of cognac returned to growth, up 11.4% compared to April 2007. This turnaround is attributable to Asian demand, up 14.7% over the last rolling twelve months, which compensates for the NAFTA decrease of 2.2%. Furthermore, China has become the 3^rd largest cognac market in the world, having overtaken UK (not counting re-consignments). (Source: VSB)

In 2007, 1.1 million tourists followed the Argentinean vineyard itineraries, 118% more than in 2006, a much higher rise than that in the general tourism figures. Mendoza is, of course, the leading wine growing region to attract the most visitors to its 96 cellars open to the public. (Source: VSB)

Vodka has overtaken scotch to become Britain’s favourite spirit for the first time, new industry figures reveal. Traditional blended whiskies have been knocked off the top spot by heavily marketed vodka brands which have appealed to a younger, trendier market. Sales of vodka increased by 11% to €948 million in the year to April, while blended whisky sales only nudged ahead by 1% to €942 million. (Source: The Herald)

The Société des Alcools du Québec liquor monopoly generated net consolidated profit of 482 million euros at the end of March 2008, an increase of 7.5% compared to the previous year. (Source: VSB)

Originating in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, the Syrah (Chiraz) grape variety was so widely used in the south that it became the fourth most important variety in France. This success has been mirrored internationally for about fifteen years with approximately 146,000 hectares of it growing all over the world. (Source: VITI)

The Wine Promotion Manager of Hellenic Foreign Trade Export says the objective is to double Greek wine exports in 5 years. Greek vineyards now cover 71,177 hectares, making Greece the 6th largest European wine producing country, but only 10% of the wines produced are exported, and 50% of this is sent to Germany. The main target markets are North America, Benelux, UK and Scandinavia. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale)

Argentina will be the largest southern hemisphere wine producer in 2008 with 15.25 million hectolitres (compared to 15.04 in 2007), according to the International Vine and Wine Organisation. Argentina, which also boasts the largest winegrowing area equivalent to 230,000 hectares, is also the biggest consumer, drinking 11.16 million hectolitres. (Source: VSB)