A new PET bottle for the wine industry

A new PET bottle has been developed which will increase the shelf life for wine. The Drinks Business 24/04/08

The positives of global warming

“We always struggled to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon. In a few great vintages it would reach perfect ripeness. But in the last 12 or 13 years Cabernet has reached full ripeness virtually every year.” Decanter 12/03/08

Vietnam’s snake wine

NY Travel takes a look at Vietnam’s snake wine industry. With a quarter liter priced at 70,000 Dong ($4.40), yet another reason to travel to this great country.

Heavy wine bottles in the spotlight

Two influential wine personalities have attacked luxury winemakers of being environmentally irresponsible for using heavy bottles. Decanter 22/02/08

Japanese Manga and wine

Japanese Manga comics are driving up interest in wine across Asia. 12/07 Decanter

Asia’s wine industry

BMI recently reported on the Asian wine industry. Asia’s alcohol segment is dominated by beer and local spirit. However, wine is growing as the third category. Both China and India have a substantial wine market and will continue to grow over the next couple of years.

In the Western world, wine drinkers typically start with white wine. However, in Asia it is more red. The bulk of Asia’s imports arrive in boxes and bags, and large volumes must be sold to offset lower margins. The largest segment of the wine industry remains the mass market and by focusing on the niche, you might be ignoring the main consumers. For marketers the importance of young inspirational females and the health consumer cannot be overstated.

By marketing wine, marketers can start with bulk sales and introduce higher value variants slowly. Asia’s emerging wine markets are exciting prospects that should not be overlooked.

The changing cork industry

Corks have been used to seal virtually every bottle of wine for nearly three centuries. The $4 billion cork industry is predominantly in Spain and Portugal. Suppliers are increasingly facing competition from plastic and screw cap manufacturers. Knowledge Wharton 06/12/07

SA wine’s no show

For the second year running South African wines did not make it to Vinexpo, as they were impounded by French custom officials. It is unclear who is to blame for the debacle. However, South African producers must be wondering if this is all part of an evil plan to exclude then from the worlds largest wine fair.