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International News Archive
Wine world shrinks as thousands of EU vineyards grubbed up(2009-12-08)
The world of wine is shrinking, with global consumption falling and the total vineyard area decreasing during 2009.
BRIC and South Africa: Can it become BRICS?(2009-12-08)
To prove that it deserves to be among the BRIC incumbents, SA will firstly need to upgrade and expand the country’s infrastructure. Secondly, there will need to be a better education and skills development programmes to provide the skills and expertise needed to drive growth. Lastly, the SA government will have to develop a clear idea of the business sectors that the country can be internationally competitive in and then devote resources to maintain and heighten that competitiveness.
India to outstrip Italy and Germany in consumption 2025(2009-12-08)
The McKinsey Global Institute says India is well on its way to become the world’s 5th largest consumer market by 2025 (currently ranked in the 12th place).
Russia threat to nationalise wine is 'political'(2009-12-08)
The Russian government is threatening to renationalise the wine industry, putting a million jobs at risk, a leading wine distributor said recently.
Inert gas technology prevents oxidation (2009-12-08)
Gas company Air Liquide reports that new inert gas technology which prevents the oxidation of wine, and thereby maintains the quality and character, has been introduced to the wine industry.
Ad campaign aims to shift parents' drinking habits(2009-12-08)
Players from the South African liquor industry under the auspices of the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) have launched a new series of adverts which is in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol use.
That bottle used to be a plant(2009-12-08)
Coca Cola's new bottles are composed of a new PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic that was once a plant. This is the next generation of PET that is now 100% recyclable with a smaller carbon footprint, when measured from the growing of the plant materials through to the production of the resin, than the traditional PET.
Drinks firms call for water investment(2009-12-08)
Drinks heavyweights SABMiller, Coca-Cola Co and Nestle have called for greater investment in water sustainability amid a growing gap in global supply and demand.
New whiskey rules introduced (2009-12-08)
Scotch single-malt whisky must be bottled in Scotland, while terms such as ‘pure malt' and ‘vatted malt' are now a thing of the past, thanks to a number of new laws introduced on 23 November 2009 by the UK government.
Food and beverage industry needs to gear up for 2010(2009-12-08)
Ismail Darsot whose company has been a past recipient of the International Star for Leadership in Quality Award reports in Bizcommunity.com that he believes the food and beverage industry is simply not ready for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
Northern Cape wine industry teams up with government in empowerment project(2009-12-08)
The Blocuso Wine Development Initiative outside Keimoes in the Northern Cape should be an example of how true empowerment and land reform can work in the wine industry.
Winemakers face climate change with dread (2009-12-08)
Global warming emerged as the wine industry’s top concern at the recent Wine Future Conference in Spain. Winemakers the world over are faced with rising temperatures leading to higher alcohol levels in their wine which changes the texture and personality of wine.
Canadian wine labels will change(2009-10-21)
A storm of media attention is prompting changes in the handling - and in some cases the content - of Cellared in Canada wines.
UK wine industry gets £1.6m boost(2009-10-21)
The UK wine industry is to receive £1.6m to address the lack of winemakers trained to deal with the unpredictable British weather and terroir conditions.
The Sun newspaper releases wine(2009-10-21)
British tabloid newspaper The Sun has launched a wine in collaboration with major UK supermarket Asda.
WWE and wine snobs gear up for smackdown over smackdown(2009-10-21)
Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. has told the American Wine Foundation that it is infringing on its copyright by calling one of its wine classes "Sommelier Smackdown."
Trio takes 2009 Patrick Grubb wine-making bursary(2009-10-21)
Nico Fischer of Simonsig, Andrew Williams of Steenberg and M’Daan Pieterse of Overgaauw are this year’s recipients of the Patrick Grubb Bursary and will go on a winemaking-working trip to France.
Liquid cocaine found in bottles of Bolivian wine(2009-10-21)
Of the 765 litres of Kohlberg wine discovered by Bulgarian authorities, a reported 714 litres was liquid cocaine.
Government to allow smaller drinks measures(2009-10-21)
The UK government announced that it would allow wine measures under 75ml to be served in on and off-trade premises.
Blending rule to save disaster-hit wineries in Australia(2009-10-21)
Proposed changes to the state's Liquor Licensing Act will allow disaster-struck producers to buy fruit and wine from other producers and to make and sell the wine under their own labels.
US wine consumption continues to grow(2009-10-21)
Overall wine consumption in the U.S. rose 0.9% to 2 652,3 million litres in 2008, according to the Beverage Information Group's recently released 2009 Wine Handbook.
China's wine industry growing(2009-10-21)
China is now home to about 600 wine enterprises, 167 of which are state-owned earning annual sales revenues greater than R5.8 million.
South Africa wine heist in London 'planned'(2009-10-21)
£30,000 worth of South African wine was stolen from a warehouse in Wimbledon, South London.
Chile unveils sustainability code(2009-10-21)
The Chilean wine industry should have a sustainability certification system up-and-running by the end of 2010.
Italian banks to take wine as collateral(2009-10-21)
The Italian agricultural minister has backed plans to accept fine wine as loan collateral from crisis-hit producers.
Pill to fight alcoholism(2009-10-21)
ScienceDaily reports that neuropharmacologists are now running clinical trials on a drug called topiramate which they say is an effective therapeutic medication for decreasing heavy drinking and diminishing the physical and psychological harm caused by alcohol dependence.
The 21 club(2009-10-21)
A new movement has sprung up in the USA that is campaigning to lower the drinking age back from 21 to 18 years.
Confusion 'fuels alcohol misuse'(2009-10-21)
Widespread public confusion about how much it is safe to drink may be contributing to the growth of alcohol misuse in England, say MPs.
Pest control goes green(2009-10-21)
A recent South African Pest Control Association convention held in Cape Town looked at the future of the pest-control industry in the 21st century.
New moth a threat to vineyards(2009-10-21)
A European grapevine moth with larvae has been detected in Oakville, Napa Valley. The moth does its damage by getting into the fruit cluster and can affect the development of fruit at certain stages.
Warning as study finds SA's water dwindles(2009-10-21)
The Water Resources of South Africa 2005 study, the fifth of its kind, found 4 per cent less surface water than had been estimated in 1995.
Australian town in world-first bottled water ban(2009-10-21)
The rural town Bundanoon south of Sydney in Australia marked the first day of its bottled water ban by unveiling a series of new public drinking fountains.
SurePure technology approved in South Africa(2009-10-21)
South Africa has become the first country to approve a new hi-tech process which uses light energy to purify wine.
McMerlot: Fast food chains add wine to menu(2009-10-21)
Fast food restaurants are adding wine to their menus in a bid to boost sales.
Ban alcohol adverts - ANCYL(2009-11-26)
Kingdom Mabuza reports in The Sowetan that the ANC Youth League has launched a campaign to ban alcohol advertising in all media channels.
New expo for beverage, liquor(2009-11-26)
The first Drink Tech Africa exhibition and conference serving Africa’s growing beverage and liquid food markets will be held In July 2010 together with Africa’s Big Seven (AB7).
Pushing the packaging envelope(2009-11-26)
An article by Suzanne Gannon in Wines & Vines concludes that economic conditions and environmental concerns are driving the success of alternative wine packaging.
Business should not be complacent about energy efficiency(2009-11-26)
The president of the South African Association of Energy Efficiency says South African companies would in future have to grow without using more power.
Four peak industry bodies make statement to Australian wine industry(2009-11-26)
The release of a statement to the wine industry by the Winemaker’s Federation of Australia, Wine Grape Growers’ Australia, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation and the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation has the objectives to recognize the problem and to formulate an action agenda to advance the adjustment process, to bring about more sustainable operating conditions as soon as possible and to dispel any notion that the industry can trade its way out of its current problem or rely on government to step in.
Food, glorious food(2009-11-26)
Read the article in The Economist on the health benefit claims made by food and beverage companies and why concerned regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are saying that some of these health claims are misleading or/and unsupported by evidence and why they are now tightening the rules.
SAB launches campaign to combat alcohol abuse(2009-11-26)
South African Breweries has recently launched a R50m Reality Check advertising campaign targeted at drivers and pregnant women to raise awareness and counter prevailing alcohol abuse among South African drinkers.
SA oxygen barrier technology promises huge food benefits(2009-11-26)
The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a new technology known as the Enviroclear barrier coating technology which promises to extend the self life for plastic-packed foods and beverages by up to 40 times.
Tax advisory firm welcomes proposed overhaul of Customs Act(2009-11-26)
On 30 October SARS presented the proposed replacement of the 45-year-old Customs and Excise Act in parliament. The most noticeable change to the Act was the creation of two bills – the Customs Control Bill and the Customs Duty Bill with a 3rd bill, the Excise Bill also being developed. The public may comment on the new Acts until February 2010.
In Hong Kong, stirrings of a serious wine scene (2009-11-26)
Jake Lee reports in The Wall Street Journal on changes to the wine scene in Hong Kong which now boasts flourishing wine shops, tasting bars and even a winery. Restaurants are hosting dinners with wine makers flown in for the occasion and tasting events, trade shows and oenology courses abound.
Time to put actions behind the words(2009-11-26)
The Ontario government’s plan for the wine industry involves the setting of grape prices, which will effectively end the role of the Grape Growers of Ontario.
UK alcohol consumption falling faster than ever(2009-11-26)
Alcohol consumption in the UK is falling faster than at any time in the past 60 years. Now the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is calling for more targeted efforts at reducing alcohol-related harm, saying that the policies designed to reduce the drinking of the entire nation are misguided.
Plastic bottle wine takes off(2009-10-21)
First we had to get use to wine in a box, then screw tops and synthetic corks and now we are presented with wine in a plastic bottle. And as before some say it is a good thing quoting plus points such as less breakage, more wine per bottle and more environmentally friendly.
On the rocks, it's a new landscape(2009-10-21)
Toby Cecchini reports in The New York Times on the current cocktail renaissance where attention to every facet of the drink has reached the fetishistic.
Taking stress off yeast produces better wine(2009-10-21)
Turning grape juice into wine is stressful for yeast, but Dr Aranda from the University of Valencia in Spain has identified the genes in yeast that enable it to respond to stress and is investigating ways to improve yeast performance by modifying its stress response mechanism.
Growing interest in Fairtrade(2009-10-21)
Despite the tough economic conditions British shoppers are showing increasing concern over the wellbeing of the people producing their groceries in developing countries.
New World joins forces to head off European threat(2009-10-21)
A group of New World wine-producing countries have teamed up to form the New World Alliance, a marketing strategy which will be unveiled at 2010's Prowein event in Germany.
Predicting consumers' future wants, needs(2009-08-13)
Future business success will depend on gaining futuristic consumer insights and developing relevant and preferred products and services ahead of the competition.
Promoting South African wine in China(2009-08-13)
Considering the depth of South Africa's winemaking abilities, I am utterly disappointed most of the times I dine out in Beijing when I discover that the establishment's wine list either includes no South African wines or only contains extremely low cost brands at ridiculous prices of R300.
Putting drink-drivers in park(2009-08-13)
PFK Electronics' Autowatch TAB, a tethered alcohol breathalyser based immobiliser, prevents a vehicle from being driven by anyone over the legal alcohol limit.
When it comes to packaging, less is more(2009-08-13)
Consumer product companies have been cutting down on extraneous packaging for good reasons. The rise in raw material, energy, manufacturing and transportation costs, coupled with the rise in consumers' environmental consciousness all play a part in reducing packaging.
For Australian winemakers, more turns out to be less(2009-08-13)
Just a few years ago, Australia was being hailed as the great international success story of the wine business. But even as its star appeared to be rising, the Australian wine industry was sliding, selling a greater volume of wine at increasingly lower prices.
SABMiller to build research brewery(2009-08-13)
SABMiller is to build a GBP2m (US$3.3m) global research brewery in the UK city of Nottingham.
Chinese firm takes stake in Bordeaux vineyard(2009-08-13)
A Chinese firm has taken a majority stake in a Bordeaux vineyard, the latest move by the emerging Asian giant into the world of French wine, a company who advised on the deal said.
Grains trump grapes? Beer more healthy than wine(2009-08-13)
Contrary to popular opinion, beer is as healthy - if not more healthy - than wine, according to a university professor with an academic title any Joe Six-pack would relish.
Wine sales plummet in Ireland(2009-07-27)
Cross-border shopping and the economic downturn sent wine sales tumbling by more than 10% in Ireland during the first quarter of 2009, official figures show.
Vintners scramble to retrieve wine from New Vine Logistics(2009-07-27)
North Coast wineries scrambled to reclaim their wine from New Vine Logistics, a Napa wine storage and shipping company that ran out of cash and ceased operations.
Change of course: New Vine logistics to restart with new funding (2009-07-27)
In the latest twist in a saga that has transfixed much of the California wine industry in recent days, Inertia Beverage Group has agreed in principle with Silicon Valley Bank to acquire its debt position in New Vine Logistics.
DNA technology can be used on fine wine(2009-07-27)
Advanced DNA identification techniques could be used to prove the origins of fine wines, helping in the fight against fraud and counterfeiting, says a hi-tech US company.
Berry Bros & Rudd to launch online trading platform(2009-07-27)
Fine wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd is set to launch an online trading platform. The new service will allow customers to trade their reserves on the BBR site and set their own bid prices.
Australian wine industry calls for government help(2009-07-27)
Australian wine industry bodies are to call on the federal government for funding to help people leave the industry.
Selling BEE(2009-07-27)
South Africa's economic downturn has halted several Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transactions, but brewer SAB - part of SABMiller, the world’s second-largest brewing group - has unveiled a new broad-based BEE deal that does not rely on debt financing, and so is unlikely to face any substantial hitches.
New York Times questions wine health studies(2009-07-27)
A science article front-paged in the New York Times raises a question of whether 'study after study' that links moderate use of alcohol to health is 'all a big mistake.' The article says that 'some scientists' claim no study has 'ever proved a causal relationship between moderate drinking and lower risk of death - only that the two often go together.
Evin Law: alcohol advertising now allowed on internet(2009-07-27)
The Senate in Paris has ratified an amendment to the Evin Law, allowing use of the internet for alcohol advertising. The decision means that the internet will now be listed alongside television, radio and other established media within the Evin Law that governs how alcohol is advertised in France.
World drink less wine per capita(2009-06-22)
The Global Drinks Market: Impact databank Review and Forecast, 2008 shows that people are drinking wine at a slower rate and the global recession seems to have accelerated this trend.
EU rosé wine U-turn(2009-06-22)
The EU has seen common sense by performing a u-turn on a plan to allow winemakers to blend red and white wines to make rosé.
Mitigating climate change through food and land use(2009-06-22)
Agricultural communities can play a central role in fighting climate change according to a new Worldwatch Institute report by Sara Scherr and Sajal Sthapit. More than 30% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arise from the land-use sector.
Thirsty work(2009-06-22)
Consumers may already be aware of the environmental impact of producing goods in terms of energy or pollution, but they might be surprised to learn how much water is needed to create some daily goods.
Tough consumer law 'adds to costs'(2009-06-22)
Big business should brace itself for soaring insurance premiums and higher production costs in light of new consumer protection laws.
Councils given powers to ban happy hours(2009-06-22)
Local authorities are to be given the power to ban happy hours and other promotions encouraging excessive drinking.
Consumers keen to shop online(2009-06-22)
A MasterCard survey found that 80% of South Africa’s Internet users shop online.
Harvest 2009: A strong year for the Cape(2009-06-22)
South Africa's wine regions enjoy a cool, dry season, producing quality across the board.
Research - New World set for more growth despite challenges(2009-06-22)
A new report from IWSR and just-drinks suggests New World wine producers will continue to grow their share of the market. But while the New World can expect good growth in emerging wine markets, the Old World is fighting back.
10 Top international wine destinations(2009-06-22)
Forbes.com has come up with 10 top international wine destinations assisted by George Taber, author of "In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism."
Sustainable packaging(2009-06-22)
Society places many demands upon packaging relative to issues such as safety, convenience, efficiency, identification and marketing. But packaging is also a burden to producers, consumers and the environment.
Report in focus - Growth in functional drinks set to ramp up(2009-06-22)
The functional soft drinks market looks set for further growth over the next few years, according to a new report from just-drinks. While the recession and competition from other functional foods represent challenges, the sector offers many opportunities for growth.
New wine guide for ordinary people(2009-06-22)
A new independently published wine guide, The People's Wine Guide, lists 600 wines and features “blind tasting” to ensure impartiality. It's aimed at those who buy wine from supermarkets and liquor chains, and is written in everyday language.
Celebrating five new Cape Wine Masters(2009-06-22)
Rolene Bauer, Mary-Lyn Foxcroft, Danielle le Roux, Duane Blaauw and Eftyhia Vardas were recently awarded Diplomas as Cape Wine Masters bringing the number of successful candidates to 71 since the inception of the Cape Wine Master qualification 25 years ago.
Mr (wine) writer? Why don't you tell it like really is?(2009-06-22)
An interesting story in wine magazine Decanter this week suggests that wine drinkers in Asia are struggling to understand the kind of language used in Western wine descriptions.
American wine overtakes France in British drinker's affection(2009-01-19)
Trade figures show that more American wine than French wine was drunk in Britain for the first time in 2007. In second place was Australia which topped the table for the last five years. France came in third followed by Italy, South Africa and then Chile.
SA's economic outlook for first half bleak, but better second half expected(2009-01-19)
Chanel Pringle reports on the economic and employment outlook for SA in 2009 as seen by two economists, Fanie Joubert at Efficient Group and Chris Hart at Investment Solutions SA.
Wine industry code of conduct finalised(2009-01-19)
Signed recently in Adelaide by the President of the WFA and the Chairman of the WGGA, the voluntary Code will set minimum standards for commercial Agreements between grapegrowers and winemakers.
Not on the shopping list? The truth about impulse purchases(2009-01-19)
Wharton marketing professor David R Bell argues that the notion that most supermarket purchases are unplanned is something of an urban legend and that unplanned buying amounts to about 20% of purchases.
Internet usage in SA growing or slowing?(2009-01-19)
Independent Online reports that current (2006) statistics show a 120% increase in Internet use in SA over the past two years. Almost 4m browsers or 10.3% of the population are now using the Internet which is having a favourable effect on the growth of e-commerce.
Move over, California(2008-10-06)
The first Chicago & Midwest wine show will be held in September. Wisconsin’s wine industry is tiny (41 wineries) but growing. Iowa now has six times as many wineries as in 1995. Ohio now with 108 wineries and Michigan with 112 are the biggest producers in the area.
Organic consumers drive the new marketplace(2008-10-06)
David Wolstenholme reports that the natural and organic industry worldwide is showing signs of a huge shift in marketing and manufacturing that will not be satisfied by a new PR spin or new package design. Globally the organic market is growing at 30% compared with a 2% growth rate in conventional produce.
German producer prices post biggest jump in 27 years(2008-10-06)
Producer prices were 8.9% higher than in July last year, the statistics office said, topping a 6.7% jump seen in June. The main culprit was higher energy prices, soaring 24.5% compared to last July and costing 5.1% more than in June.
Miles of aisles for milk? Not here(2008-10-06)
Andrew Martin reports in The New York Times that USA retailers are currently experimenting with radically smaller grocery stores with the emphasis on prepared meals, fresh produce and grab-and-go drinks. The idea is to attract time-starved shoppers who just want to pick up a few items or a fast meal without having to walk up and down long grocery aisles or having to pay restaurant prices.
High-tech tools to fight wine fraud(2008-10-06)
By zapping wine bottles with ion beams generated by a particle accelerator the Antique Wine company in London and researchers at the National Centre for Scientific Research in Bordeaux have come up with a fraud-busting technology to distinguish how old the bottles are and roughly where they originate from.
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