UK drinks magazine Harpers is being sold to the William Reed Group for an undisclosed sum. The weekly trade magazine was currently owned by Nexus Media. (Source: Decanter.com)

A calamitous earthquake hit Sichuan province some time before the exhibition opened. Vinexpo had asked all the exhibitors of Vinexpo Asia-pacific to donate bottles in aid of the many victims. In total, 1,912 bottles including around a hundred bottles of spirits were collected. The proceeds from the sale of these donations organised by Watson’s Wine Cellar were handed to the Salvation Army in aid of the Sichuan victims.

Vinexpo hereby thanks all the exhibitors for their generosity. (Source: Vinexpo)

Volumes of wine consumed in the US have risen for the fourteenth year running up to 26.3 million hectolitres, an increase of 3.2%. Retail sales have also increased to reach a value just short of €19 billion. (Source: Décision Boissons)

On 7 November, the Chilean Wine Corporation, which unites many winegrowers, inaugurated a “Casa del Vino” in Vitacura a suburb of Santiago. This is the first “home of wine”, designed to welcome members of the public as well as professionals to a 500 sq. m area dedicated to vines and wine. The venue will also act as headquarters for Chilean oenologists  and the Wine and Sommeliers’ Brotherhood. (Source: VSB)

In view of the present recurring public debate in France about young people and alcohol abuse, the Armagnac industry has decided to support the government’s current initiatives and position itself as the first ‘virtuous’ spirit in the market. From 1 January 2009, 1% of the industry’s obligatory contributions will be used to finance training and other prevention-related activities. (Source: Top Drinks)

At 166 million hectolitres, the total European harvest is 2% lower than in 2007, but 10% down compared to the 5-year average. Italy with 48 million hectolitres is ahead of France with 43.7 million hectolitres and Spain with 39.6 million hectolitres). Amongst the producing countries, only Germany has posted increases with 10.5 million hectolitres. (Source: Décision Boissons)

For the 2008 campaign, Beaujolais has revamped its traditional slogan “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé” (The new Beaujolais has arrived), which originated in the 1950’s, to replace it with “Le nouveau est arrivé!”, a witty new take by French contemporary artist Ben. An advertising budget of more than €1.5 million (a third of which has been earmarked for Japan) will finance a poster campaign in the 110 countries that drink Beaujolais nouveau.

With its red berry aromas typical of its grape variety, the Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, combined with notes of peach and apricot, the 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau is basically fruit, fruit and more fruit. (Source: Inter Beaujolais - Vinexpo)