In order to avoid unreliable translations of the great Bordeaux chateaux, the Singapore journalist Ching Pioh Tong has proposed to set up a system based on the French pronunciation of these names. All the grands crus classés and all the wines belonging to the Union des Grands Crus are involved. The certified translation can be used by all Chinese importers and distributors and will prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent copyrighting of similar-sounding brands. (Source: VSB)

US Trade Representative Susan Schwab has announced that the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body has found in favour of the US against India’s additional and extra-additional duties on wine and spirits. India has imposed these duties on US imports in addition to and on top of its basic customs duty, resulting in combined duties on imports of alcoholic beverages of up to 550%. (Source: Wine Business International.com)

On the hills surrounding Krakow, a few pioneers are proving that Poland can be a wine producer. Since 2005, Poland has been part of Winegrowing Area A in the European Union. Poland has now been authorised to produce wine, and “it would even be possible to plant vines all over Poland, but the weather and the market reduce the possibilities”, says the head of the wine department at the Polish Agricultural Ministry. (Source: 20 minutes)

Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has announced he will raise alcohol excise duty again, just in time for the crucial Christmas trading period. While he is temporarily cutting VAT to 15% from 1 December, he is simultaneously increasing excise duty rates by 8%.
The overall effect will be an increase in the cost of wines and spirits. (Source: Decanter.com)

Bacardi-Martini highlights its products on its new website cocktailattitude.com with a list of cocktails for all its brands aimed at professionals and consumers. A great opportunity to remind people how to make a really good Mojito or a Bloody Mary and to give ideas of more uncommon mixes. (Source: Rayon Boissons)

Active in China since 1998, Castel Group, France’s largest wine producer, saw its sales volume reach 5.5m bottles in 2008, double that of 2007. The Company expects a further rise of 18%, or 6.5m bottles, in 2009. "The results have shown a sharp progression over the past two years, but it's a result of  10 years' hard work. We are also well placed to continue our sucess even the fianancial crisis affects China next year", Castel's marketing director said. (Source: Decanter.com)

A European Commission ruling has removed restrictions on the sale within the EU of reduced alcohol wine produced.

According to Jeremy Beadles, Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) Chief Executive,  “The main purpose in pressing for the removal of the restrictions has been two-fold: to allow consumers a wider range of wines and to give a level playing field to producers by removing these restrictions,” he says. (Source: Wine Business International.com)