In the year between July 2007 and June 2008, Australian exports have lost 13% of volume and 12% in value. The sixth largest wine producing nation in the world, which has 160,000 hectares of vines, exported 7 million hectolitres in the period, worth a total of €1.6 billion.

The three world leading wine exporting nations, France, Spain and Italy sell around 15 million hectolitres each outside their frontiers. (Source: Sud Ouest)

Despite a major promotional campaign, wine sales in Argentina measured by volume fell by 4.14% over the first seven months of the year, according to the National Winegrowing Institute’s figures. Exports, however, continue to increase, up 32% by volume. (Source: VSB)

Wine and spirits group Rémy Cointreau has announced a 2.5% decrease in sales for the first 6-month period of the 2008 - 2009 year down to €365.1 million.

This overall figure results from a 1.6% increase in Cognac sales up to €170.2 million and an increase in Champagne sales of 1.9% up to €61.4 million euros, both of which were offset by a year-on-year 4.1% drop in sales of liqueur and spirits brands, down to €97.8 million. (Source: La Tribune.fr)

While the winegrowing world in France is concerned about decisions that may be taken regarding wine-related promotion on Internet, journalists are wondering if articles on wine and spirits are to be banned from the press. Indeed according to recent court decisions, because the French “Evin” law contains no definition of what constitutes advertising, any press article analysing wines or champagnes would be considered to be publicity with illegal content.

In a context of self-censorship, the president of the French National Daily Press Union has suggested that the following addendum to the law should be considered: “Any act or message that does not give rise to any payment or financial compensation in favour of its editor or issuer is not an advertisement or promotional item”. (Source: Décision Boissons  / Vinexpo)

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, has taken part in a national advertising spot on Californian wines, its gastronomy and tourist industry. This campaign, which has been run for the last five years by a partnership between the Wine Institute and the Californian Travel and Tourism Council, designated September as “Wine Month”, organising tastings, visits, concerts and bottle signing events at the state’s wineries, restaurants, wine stores and supermarkets. (Source: VSB)

Norm Wesley, Chairman of Fortune Brands has announced his intention to retire after two decades spent managing the spirits group. He has been succeeded since 1st October 2008 by Bruce Carbonari, the former General Manager. (Source: VSB)

Concha y Toro, the leading Chilean wine growing group, which is the third largest in the world, is building its own distribution network in Finland, Norway and Sweden, which should be operational in 2009. This year, Concha y Toro forecasts sales of €22 million in the Nordic countries. With offices in 121 countries  generating sales of €251 million in 2007, Concha y Toro accounted for 40% of Chilean wine exports. (Source: VSB)