John E Fells & Sons will no longer be the exclusive UK distributor for Bordeaux producer Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s (BPhR) wines. Rothschild has announced a new distribution strategy for the UK, and BPhR will now deal with the UK multiples directly and it is establishing a system of regional agents. “We decided the best way to approach the UK is to go direct”, said trade relations manager for BPhR. (Source: Harpers)

Western Australian producer Palandri Wines will now be known as 3 Oceans Wine after being purchased by Chinese businessman Xibo Ma. He was previously the second biggest shareholder in Palandri. (Source: Harpers)

In the first half of 2008, imports of Argentine wine into the US exceeded 2.1 million 12-bottle cases, worth more than €48 million, an increase of 44.5% compared to 2007. (Source: VSB)

The European Union’s rumbles with India continued as it started new dispute proceeding against the country at the World Trade Organization. Last year, the EU halted proceedings against India after the government agreed to lower so-called ‘additional duty” on imported wines and spirits. According to the EU, the three states involved in the current dispute proceedings, Goa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have continued to penalise imports by imposing discriminatory taxes and restrictions on European wine and spirits. (Source: The drinks business)

The improvement of relations between Russia and Moldavia has had a direct influence on exports of French and Bulgarian table wines and other non-AOC wines. In the first half of 2008, French exports lost 18.9% of their volume, while Bulgarian wine exports decreased by 20% in the first three months alone. (Source: VSB)

Australian group Foster’s has posted its first loss in 16 years, down €238.1 million. This negative result is mainly attributable to decreases in its wine business amounting to a 5.7% fall in volumes sold and to the effect of the climbing Australian dollar. (Source: VSB)

Bernard Arnault the chairman of luxury group LVMH and Albert Frère the Belgian millionaire businessman, who are already co-owners of Château Cheval Blanc, have just taken over another Saint-Emilion property – the 15-hectare (37-acre) estate of Château Quinault. (Source: La lettre CHR-CHD)