An epidemic of eudemis, better known as grape worm, has broken out in the Santiago, Maule and Valparaíso wine producing areas. As well as making winemaking difficult because of mould, the larval form of this moth harms fruit quality.

The Mendoza region in Argentina on the Chilean border, concerned by possible contagion of its own vines, has declared a state of alert. (Source: VSB – Vinexpo)

Because of stronger demand for Cognac in world markets, Charente distillers have produced more of the spirit and less Pineau, namely only 83,636 hectolitres, which is 10.3% less than last year, with sales of 2.1% fewer bottles overall. The foreign markets for Pineau remain stable, showing a slight increase of 1.7% with loyal drinkers in Belgium, up 0.6% and Canada, up 3.9%, but French markets, which account for three quarters of the total volume, drank 3.4% less. (Source: Top Drinks)

Alors que les ventes de champagne sont en décroissance, Jacquart affiche fin septembre 2008 une croissance de 8% en volume et 12% en valeur. A l’export, la marque poursuit la progression de sa distribution et enregistre une hausse des volumes de 8% et de 10% du chiffre d’affaires. (Source : VSB)

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)