- Für das Wettbewerb "Pinot Gris du Monde" :

6 Exzellenz Trophaën, 45 Gold- und 12 Silbermedaillen wurden an den Winzer verliehen.

- Für das Wettbewerb "Gewurztraminer du Monde" :

4 Exzellenz Trophaën, 90 Gold- und 9 Silbermedaillen.

Anbei finden Sie die Pressemitteilung mit allen Informationen sowie die komplete Liste der Gewinner.

o The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust, in conjunction with the New Zealand Horticulture Industry Training Organisation, has launched the New Zealand-wide NZ Horticulture ITO Young Horticulturist of the Year 2008 competition.
o This competition has been developed to inspire and acknowledge the talents of young people employed in the horticultural industry.
o The competition is in its fourth year. Last year's winner was viticulturist Emma Taylor of Napier (see accompanying press release). 2006's winner, vineyard manager Marcus Wickham of Blenheim, used his award to look at grape production in Spain and Portugal. The 2005 winner, fruit export manager Dean Astill of Hastings, used his travel prize to study tropical fruit orchards in Malaysia and to source markets for New Zealand fruit in Thailand and Singapore.
o Participants must enter the competition via one of the following horticultural sectors listed:

NZ Arboriculture Association
Fruit Sector of Horticulture NZ
Floristry NZ Incorporated
Landscape Industry Association of NZ
Northern Cutflower Growers Association
Nursery and Garden Industry Association
NZ Recreation Association
NZ Winegrowers
Vegetable Sector of Horticulture NZ

o Participants must be 30 years of age or under at the 31st December 2008, and currently working full time in one of the listed horticultural sectors.
o Participants must have worked in a practical, hands-on position for the last three years in the sector in which they are entering the competition and must have completed a minimum qualification such as a NZQA Horticulture certificate level 4.
o Closing times for applications will vary between sectors, but will be no later than the 30th June 2008.
o The winner of each horticultural sector competition will participate in all the activities associated with the Grand Final of the NZ Horticulture ITO Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. There will be a maximum of nine finalists at the Grand Final.
o The Grand Final is a two day event - Thursday 6th November and Friday 7th November - held at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Day 1 Thursday 6th November:
The AGMARDT Market Innovation Project presentations.
Finalists are asked to attend a one day orientation workshop in late August and then write a marketing project over an eight week period. They will present their project to the panel of judges on Thursday the 6th.

The AGMARDT Market Innovation Project Prizes
1st Prize: $5,000
2nd Prize: $3,000
3rd Prize: $2,000
Consolation prizes of $500 for each completed project.

o Day 2: Friday 7th November

The day's programme will see the participants test their skills in a range of challenges, including computer-based projects and practical horticultural activities, as well as interviews with the judges.
There will also be a hortisport event where finalists race each other and the clock to complete a number of practical horticultural based activities. These could include such challenges as setting up an irrigation system, bagging carrots, wine tasting decorating a hanging basket and starting a reluctant mower.

A dinner will be held in the evening of the 7th. During the evening finalists are asked to give a three-minute presentation on their current employment, hobbies, interests, and a three-minute prepared industry-related speech.

The Grand Final Prizes
1st Prize includes a travel and accommodation package to the value of $8,000, a Leadership NZ Management course to the value of $12,000, $1,000 Swazi® clothing and $1,000 Fruitfed Supplies gift vouchers, Yates products to the value of $300, $100 magazine subscription, $100 book vouchers.

2nd prize includes an Outward Bound course to the value of $3,500, $1,000 Swazi® clothing and $750 Fruitfed Supplies gift vouchers, $100 magazine subscription, $100 book vouchers.

3rd prize includes $1,000 Swazi® clothing and $500 Fruitfed Supplies gift vouchers, $100 magazine subscription, $100 book vouchers.

Other Prizes include:
The Carann Award for Outstanding Skills and Leadership during the competition, $2,500. The Carann Award for the Best Overall Practical Activities Score, $500
The Royal Business College Award for the Best Overall Speech, $500

Young Horticulturist of the Year 2008 Competition Sponsors
Naming sponsor: NZ Hort ITO
Gold Sponsors: Fruitfed Supplies, AGMARDT, Royal Business College, Ravensdown
Silver Sponsors: Leadership NZ, Carann Ltd
Sector Support Sponsors: Hort Research,
Affiliated Sponsors: ASPLUNDH, Horttraining NZ Ltd, Horticulture News, Treescape, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Swazi? Apparel, AsureQuality Ltd, Bella Blooms,
Yates NZ

o The competition is managed by the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture Education Trust

For more information contact:
Elenka Nikoloff Event Manager for the Young Horticulturist of the Year
Ph 09 636 5922, elenka.nikoloff@xtra.co.nz

Citrus growers move towards wine grapes

Citrus growers are making the switch to wine grapes to share a stake in the lucrative market but they are being warned to think twice before planting new vines.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics' outlook for Australian wine exports found revenue this financial year is expected to reach a record $3 billion.
Former citrus grower Spiro Papageorgiou pulled out his orange trees in favour of wine grapes, and says he will not go back.
"I think there's more money in vines," he said.
The Riverland Vine Improvement Committee says those making the switch have about six months to make the move.But John Angove of Angove's Winery says there is no point planting without having secured a contract with a winery, which is now rare."We're certainly not accepting new contracts at the moment.Mr Angove says an oversupply will mean grape growers will not survive.

Grapegrower & Winemaker March issue - out now!

Grapegrower & Winemaker continues its celebration of 45 years in publishing by featuring a special report from wine industry consultant and former chief executive of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, Jim Fortune in the March issue.

In the first of a three-part series, Fortune maps out the wine industry value chain and using a US model as the basis, he submits the total direct and indirect value of the wine industry to Australia is $15-$20 billion: an important figure for our advocacy groups for future discussions with Government on the value of our sector.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) is considering an application to make warning labels about drinking during pregnancy mandatory for all alcoholic beverages and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia is sceptical. Dominic Nolan from the WFA points out that while the Federation is working hard to promote responsible consumption of alcohol it is not convinced that label warnings are the best way to educate consumers on the topic.

In grapegrowing, we look at how some of the weather patterns around the country are impacting on the harvest, and Ben Rose details how to keep on top of mildew problems. We feature midrow management with viticultural consultant, Kim Ludvigsen, and Chris Penfold provides expert practical tips for managing a covercrop at the end of its growing season. Is it best to roll, or mow and mulch?

Editor, Mark Osborne, talks with two winemakers about their thoughts on environmental matters relating to packaging, particularly the concept of food miles, and pro's and cons of screwcaps and corks. With vintage nearing full swing, our winemaker readers will be interested in our focus on cap management with a feature article from the USA.

In Australian Wine Business, Jeni Port asks why more Australian winemakers are not taking up renewable energy solutions and uncovers an attitude of cynicism from producers on the topic.

Meanwhile, if you've started vintage this year we wish you every success and look forward to presenting snapshots of harvest around the country in our next few issues.

Erstmals vergab die BioFach in diesem Jahr einen Preis für das beste Bio-Olivenöl.
Die Top Ten des Wettbewerbs erhielten eine Auszeichnung:
Antica Masseria Venditti (Italien), RISCA GRANDE Lda. (Portugal), Giacomo La Russa (Italien),
Battaglini Azienda Agr. E Franzoio (Italien), RISCA GRANDE Lda. (Portugal),
Azienda Agricola Fattoria Serra di Mezzo (Italien), Societa Iniziative Agricole (Italien),
Priego de Cordoba - Sucesores de Morales Morales (Spanien), Agrion Terra (Griechenland),
Almazaras de la Subbetica (Spanien).
Sources: BioFach

Australian beverage giant Foster's Group has reportedly stopped exporting some Australian wines to the UK.

The UK's Financial Times reported that the move was made as it is more profitable to sell the wines elsewhere.
Foster's Wine Estates' European business MD Peter Jackson said that there is incredible pressure on prices
in the UK market due to strong competition between supermarkets. This means that Foster's can get better
prices in other regions such as the US and Asia. Allocations of certain boutique wines are no longer available
for the UK market Jackson said, particularly Pinot Noir, while allocations of other wines from "hot" regions such
as Western Australia and New Zealand are shrinking. "My allocations are a lot smaller than they used to be,
" said Jackson. "Wine companies are allocating products far more to the most profitable markets."
Sources:ft

Entries open for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris competitions
Strasbourg Evénements, which organises numerous events, conferences, fairs, trade shows as well as
the international Riesling du Monde competition, is offering winegrowers from all over the world the chance
to bring their best vintages to compete in the 1st International Gewurztraminer du Monde competition and
the 3rd International Pinot Gris du Monde competition. Grown in numerous countries, from Canada to
New Zealand, these two grape varieties with a strong personality give extremely elegant, high-quality wines,
whether dry or sweet and mellow. The samples of these two prestigious grape varieties will be judged by
accredited tasters (sommeliers, oenologists, wine growers, restaurateur, cellar master, qualified tasters,
specialist journalists, etc.).
Registration deadline: 25 April 2008
www.pinot-gris-du-monde.com www.gewurztraminer-du-monde.com
For further information and registration contact Christine Collins at ccollins@strasbourg-events.com


Bulgaria Exports 81 M Litres of Wine to Russia

Bulgaria exported 81 million litres of wine to Russia in 2007, marking nearly 50% increase overt the
previous year.Bulgaria's wine export to Russia for 2007 equals 81 million litres, marking nearly 50 percent
increase over the previous year, chair of the National Vine and Wine Chamber in Plovdiv, Plamen Mollov, reported.
About 35 million litres out of a total of 200 M litres of wine produced in Bulgaria were exported to countries
in the European Union, Mollov said.In 2006, Bulgaria exported 58 M litres of wine to Russia, which marked
an increase of 8 percent over 2005, the annual report of the National Vine and Wine Chamber reads.According
to statistics, Poland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries are the biggest importers of Bulgarian wine after
Russia.


U.S. Wine Exports Reach $951 Million
Europe leads, but Asian markets are growing fast

Source: Wine Institute using data from U.S. Dept. of Commerce, USA Trade Online. Gallons/liters do not convert
exactly due to rounding.
San Francisco, Calif.--U.S. wine exports--95% from California--reached a record high of $951 million in 2007, an 8.6% jump from the previous year. Volume shipments in 2007 increased 12% to 453 million liters, compared to 2006. The increases reflect a long-term sales trend in which U.S. exports have grown by 77% in value over the last decade, according San Francisco-based Wine Institute (WI), which issued the report. Approximately 50% of U.S. wine exports are shipped to the European Union (EU), accounting for $474 million, followed by Canada, $234 million; Japan, $63 million; Switzerland, $26 million; and Mexico, $24 million. "Despite competition from foreign producers, and protectionist tariffs, distribution restrictions and production subsidies that have maintained an un-level playing field, California wines have continued to expand into new and existing markets," stated Robert P. (Bobby) Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. "The signing of the U.S.-EC Wine Trade Agreement in 2006 has created a more stable trading environment for California vintners who are making continued investments to export wine."Total bulk table wine exports jumped 22% by volume to 169 million liters, and grew 25% by value to $151 million. Total branded bottled table wine exports rose 9.5% to 207 million liters, and were up 3% in value to $635 million.
Volume shipments to the EU increased by 7% in 2007 compared to 2006, but sales by value for these same shipments were flat to slightly down, due to the growing shift to lower cost bulk wine shipments to these markets. In 2005, dollar sales of U.S. wine exports to Europe reached $310.8 million, while in 2006, sales jumped to $453.6 million. That figure decreased slightly in 2007 to $442.9 million, according to Global Trade Atlas figures through Nov. 2007."A wider availability of competitively priced California wines that appeal to the European palate is key in improving California's market share by value," stated WI's European trade director Paul Molleman. UK, Canada and Asia show promise WI's U.K. trade director, John McLaren, expressed optimism about the future growth of California wine sales in his market. "While it can be a tough market to break into (the U.K.) is very welcoming to wines of genuine character and value," he stated. "The rich diversity and creativity of California wines, particularly in the growing mid-price sector, has found an enthusiastic audience here." Exports have rebounded by 23% in Canada to $234 million. WI's Canadian trade director, Rick Slomka, stated, "The combination of more favorable exchange rates, exciting new product introductions and higher marketing expenditures has resulted in strong growth and momentum for the California wine category in Canada. Trade and consumers are re-discovering California wines, aided by more retail promotions and media coverage." Other major growth markets include: South Korea, up 60% to $18 million; China, up 74% to $16 million; and Singapore, up 50% to $9 million. "It is very encouraging to see China setting a solid, consistent growth pattern year after year," said Eric Pope, WI's regional director for emerging markets. "Despite the known challenges of the Chinese market, the ongoing opportunity this market represents now must not be overlooked. Indeed, the strong growth of the emerging and newly-developed markets throughout greater Asia makes this one of the most attractive regional wine markets worldwide."

Developments align to position Hong Kong as a wine hub

After reducing duties on wine from 80% to 40% in the 2007/2008 financial year, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR announced
the abolition of such duties in the 2008/2009 budget.
Furthermore, a new fair, Hong Kong International Wine Expo, is a complementary development in the creation of a wine hub
for Asia in Hong Kong.
The first edition of Hong Kong International Wine Expo will be held later this year at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The organiser, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), has a worldwide reputation for professional fair organisation and management.
Hong Kong International Wine Expo will feature leading wine dealers and cellars from around the world in exhibit categories encompassing Liquor & Beverage Products, Wine Production & Logistics and Wine Accessories.
Raymond Yip, Assistant Executive Director of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said, "Following the budget announcement, the abolition of wine duties will spur further growth in wine trading in Hong Kong. HKTDC is grasping this opportunity to start its first wine fair, Hong Kong International Wine Expo. We believe that it will provide genuine opportunities for Hong Kong to become a regional trading and distribution hub for wine, particularly in light of the vast potential of the rapidly growing wine market in the Chinese mainland."
"As the world's freest economy, Hong Kong is a global trading hub with all the services in communications, finance and transportation which support this position. Wine traders will benefit from its geographic location, its established network of buyers and sellers, and its ready access to a large and receptive market in Asia which would find it much more convenient to trade in Hong Kong," he added.
Duty abolition and the creation of a highly professional wine showcase are just two new components in the emerging picture of Hong Kong as Asia's wine trading hub.
"Hong Kong is ideally placed to serve the rapidly growing Mainland market. We estimate that the Chinese mainland could consume some 50 million cases of wine a year by 2017, up from just over 2 million cases currently. And by 2012, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong are forecast to be the 8th largest wine consumers globally," said Boris de Vroomen, Managing Director of Moet Hennessy Diageo Hong Kong Ltd, speaking of the Hong Kong market. de Vroomen, who is also chairman of Hong Kong Food, Drink and Grocery Association and co-chairman of Hong Kong Wines and Spirits Industry Coalition, added, "Asians are increasingly keen to purchase fine wine, either with the intention of investing or consuming. Asia is likely to continue growing its share of consumption in the US$100 billion international wine market." Another co-chairman of Hong Kong Wines and Spirits Industry Coalition, also General Manager of Maxxium Hong Kong Limited, William Chan said, "With the wine duty abolition, wines can be purchased, stored, sold or re-export with ease. Hong Kong is also ideal for fine wine auctions as it is already a favoured venue for auctions of fine art and important jewellery. We believe that an effective wine trading and distribution hub would provide substantial economic benefits to the Hong Kong economy, realizing an estimated $5 billion business potential and creating new jobs at different levels."

Sydney International Wine Competition announces the Trophy winning wines for 2008

The Trophy winners for the Sydney International Wine Competition were presented at the official Awards/Trophies Presentation Banquet at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney on Saturday March 1, 2008. The Sydney International Wine Competition is one of the few wine competitions in the world to award trophies to wine for their compatibility with food. This year's Trophy winning wines offered some clear indications of certain varieties performing at their best in particular terroirs.

The overall winning wine of the Competition went to Australia's Peter Lehmann 'Margaret' Barossa Semillon 2005 winning three trophies including the Joy Lake Memorial Trophy for Best Wine of the Competition, The Wine Society Perpetual Trophy for Best White Table Wine of the Competition and the Schenker Australia perpetual Trophy for Best Medium Bodied Dry White Table Wine. The other wine awarded multiple trophies was the Adelaide Hills Setanta Cuchulain Shiraz 2005, winning the Runner Up to Best Wine of Competition Trophy, the Mark deHavilland Memorial Trophy for Best Red Table Wine of Competition and the Fesq & Company Perpetual Trophy for Best Medium Bodied Dry Red Table Wine.

New Zealand won the Best Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, awarded to Southern Eclipse Sauvignon Blanc 2007, the Air Sea Global Perpetual Trophy for Best Pinot Noir of the Competition awarded to Gibbston Highgate Estate 'Soultaker' Pinot Noir 2006, the Best Still Rose of the Competition awarded to Mount Dottrel Saignee Rose 2006 and the Myra Lehmann Perpetual Trophy for the Best Dessert Wine awarded to Jackson Estate Botrytis Riesling 2006.

There were three European wines among the trophy winners and two of those were French Champagnes with Best Sparkling Wine of the Competition awarded to Champagne Lanson Gold Label Vintage 1996 while Champagne Piper Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV won the John Marris Perpetual Trophy for a Non-Australian Wine of Outstanding Quality. The Ted Radke Perpetual Trophy for the Best Wine from a Lesser Recognised Grape Variety went to Italy's, Caldora Yuma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC 2004.

"It is interesting to note Semillons again performing well in this year's Competition. The top wine of the 2008 Competition was a Semillon. Clearly Semillon is a great food wine but needs to be judged in a food context to be seen at its best. From their marks, it seems these trophy winning wines are the wines our judges would choose to drink at their own dining tables," says Competition Director and Founder, Warren Mason

The Sydney International Wine Competition Trophy Winners will be exhibited for public tasting for one day only, Saturday 15 March 2008 at The Menzies Hotel, 14 Carrington Street, Sydney.

Session One from 10am to 12noon will exhibit the Award winning white wines from the Sparkling, Lighter, Medium and Fuller Bodied Dry Whites, and Dessert wine categories at a ticket price of $33 per person.

Session Two from 2pm to 5pm will exhibit the red Award winners from the Rosés, Lighter, Medium and Fuller Bodied Dry Red and Fortified wine categories at a ticket price of $44. For both sessions the ticket price is $66. To book on-line or for more information on the Sydney International Wine Competition, visit www.top100wines.com.

2008 Olive Industry Directory out now!

More than 250 new listings and 1300 updated listings are included in the newly released 2008 Australian and New Zealand Olive Industry Directory, published by Ryan Publications.

As Australia and New Zealand's olive industry continues to grow, so too does the number of new growers and processors listed in the 2008 Olive Industry Directory.

Of the total listings, 821 are classified as olivegrowers and oliveprocessors

Victoria (186), closely followed by New South Wales (183) has the largest number of growers and processors, according to the Directory and the variety most commonly grown in Australia and New Zealand is Frantoio (623).

"The team behind the Olive Industry Directory was thrilled to be able to provide the industry with a comprehensive 2008 edition, which goes from strength to strength each year since its launch in 2006", said Ryan Publications' listings manager, Raquel Williams.

The Directory delivers key industry statistical information on a state and national basis and includes a calendar of olive shows and field days; contact details for regional olivegrowing associations and research institutes; and a one-stop-shop Buyers' Guide to assist the user in finding olive industry suppliers. Listing information includes details of growers, producer brands, commercial products, hectares planted and tonnes pressed or pickled.

U.S. wine exports up 8.6% to record $951M

The nation's wine exports soared 8.6 percent to a record $951 million last year, according to the Wine Institute, and 95 percent of those exports were shipped from California.

Sales were bolstered in part by a weak U.S. dollar and a trend toward bulk sales, and in part by a longer-term trend of growing acceptance of U.S. and California wines, Wine Institute officials said Friday.

Last year's jump is part of a longer trend, said Joseph Rollo, director of the San Francisco-based institute's international unit. Over the last ten years, U.S. and California wine exports increased 77 percent in value, and were sent to 125 countries. Last year, volume shipments grew 12 percent, to 453 million liters, over 2006's 404.5 million liters, bolstered in part by a weak U.S. dollar, which improved the buying power of foreign consumers in many countries.

Overall, the value of U.S. wine exports has jumped from $537 million in 1998 to last year's $951 million; volume increased from 71.9 million gallons to 119.7 million gallons during the same time period.

Robert "Bobby" Koch, the institute's president, cautioned that remaining protectionist tariffs, distribution restrictions and production subsidies still create "an unlevel playing field" in some markets, but added that the 2006 signing of a Wine Trade Agreement between the United States and the European Union has helped to create "a more stable trading environment" for California vintners.

Still, overall U.S. wine exports account for only about 5 percent of total global wine exports, Rollo told the San Francisco Business Times, "so we've got a long way to go."

The Wine Institute represents more than 1,000 California wineries; 125 of those wineries participate in its international program.

About half of U.S. wine exports go to nations in the European Union, accounting for $474 million of last year's total, the institute said. Canada received $234 million in shipments, followed by Japan, with $63 million, Switzerland, with $26 million, and Mexico, with $24 million.

Bulk wines, rather than bottled wines, are growing faster in Europe, as more producers ship bulk product abroad for bottling, which allows the brand owners to price wines more efficiently in a very competitive export market. Total bulk table wine exports jumped 22 percent by volume last year, to 169 million liters, and 25 percent by value, to $151 million.

Branded, bottled table wine exports, in comparison, increased 9.5 percent last year, to 207 million liters. In value, those exports increased just 3 percent, to $635 million.

Results in specific markets varied dramatically. Volume shipments to Europe grew by 7 percent, but sales value slumped 2.6 percent, due to the shift to lower-cost bulk wines. Exports to Canada from the United States jumped by 23 percent, largely due to more favorable exchange rates. Similarly, exports to South Korea jumped 60 percent, to $18 million; exports to China skyrocketed 74 percent, to $16 million, as its market opened somewhat; and exports to Singapore grew by 50 percent, to $9 million.

Sales to Japan fell 12.9 percent, from $72.5 million in 2006 to just $63.2 million last year, due to what Rollo said were "structural" issues involving Japanese importers.

Quelle: San Francisco Business Times

Arab wine production set to increase

The production of wine in Arab countries around the Mediterranean is on the increase, with Syria set to begin production within two years.

According to news agency AFP, wine production and quality in Algeria, Eygpt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia is experiencing a 'renaissance' and 'blooming' following years of civil war, nationalisation and religious opposition.
Related stories:
Lebanon harvest increasingly unlikely
Israel 2006 vintage under threat
Haifa 'Tastings for Peace' draw crowds
Lebanese wineries 'could be targeted'
Michelin chef Neat heads to Marrakech

The countries produce 146m bottles of wine and the sector has a turnover of £170m (US$340m, €226m).In Egypt, production has doubled since the millennium. The country produces 8.5m bottles of wine, three quarters of which are drunk by tourists.Although its neighbour Lebanon is an established wine producer, Syria looks set to drastically increase its production within two years. This is due to 'vast' vineyard plantings near the mediterranean port of Latakia by Syrian businessman and shipping tycoon Johnny Saade.Following recent civil unrest and Isreali military incursion in 2006, Lebanon has seen its wine production revived. Although most of its vineyards are found in the strategically important Bekka Valley, turnover in 2007 was up 10%.In northwest Africa, Algeria, once the world's biggest wine exporter, falls in alongside Morocco and Tunisia in terms of production. According to AFP, the three countries produce the majority of Arab wine with 13m hectares under vine. Around 20% of the countries' wines are exported to Europe. According to Hugh Johnson, Morocco 'should have the best vineyards' of the three.'It's important to battle against the prejudices that surround Arab wines,' said Jean-Pierre Dehut of Morocco's largest producer, Cellars of Meknes (pictured). 'Too many people still believe it's like in colonial days when tankers full of mixed wines sailed across the Mediterranean to top up European wines.'

Spanish wine exports 2007: UK is leading market

The Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) has released export statistics for the full year 2007, which show strong growth. As noted earlier in Tempranillo (Jan. to Oct. stats), the UK has passed Germany to become the largest market for Spanish wines by value (305.7 million euros).

In general, exports rose by 12% in value to 1.8 billion euros and by 7% in volume to 1.5 billion liters. Big shifts were seen in bulk white wines up 36% in volume to 413 million liters and actually passing the combined red and rosado category (373 M liters). Also Cava showed a 28% increase in value to 356 million euros on 116 million liters shipped, however the FEV did note that this may have been caused by a reporting error in that Italy showed an unbelievable 1781% increase in cave purchases.

By markets in 2007, the top 5 countries in value were:
UK: 305.7 M € (+9% from 2006),
Germany: 295 M € (and leader for cava at 85.8 M €),
USA: 200.3 M € (60% of this in D.O. quality wines)
France 105.6 M € (nearly 60% of this in bulk shipments),
Switzerland 98.4 M €

By volume:
France: 252 M liters
Germany: 250.5 M liters
Russia: 157.8 M liters (87% in bulk shipments)
UK: 127 M liters
Portugal: 120.7 M liters (+22% from 2006).

A vintage to put the sparkle back into Gisborne

The start of the 2008 harvest in Gisborne looks set to put some sparkle back into the region, as the area continues to recover from the effects of December’s earthquake.While the city suffered much damage, the vines themselves were unaffected and a long hot summer has created a buzz around the vineyards, with excitement and great anticipation around the flavour potential and quality of this season’s crop.Fittingly, as the first vines to see the sun each day, Gisborne’s grapes are also the first to be harvested each year and the corks are now set to pop in New Zealand’s ‘Sparkling Capital’.This season Pernod Ricard New Zealand, formerly Montana, New Zealand’s leading winemaker, kicks off its 35th year with the first pick of its acclaimed Chardonnay grapes for the ever-growing sparking wine export market. The harvest is due to start at Montana’s Gisborne vineyards - Ormond, Patutahi, Saints, Whitmore and Riverpoint - as the sun rises on Wednesday (27 February).And everyone is excited and ready to celebrate, including the President of Gisborne’s Winegrowers’ Society, Mr John Clarke.
“The start of the wine harvest each year always causes a buzz of excitement in Gisborne and this year its importance can not be underestimated”, says Mr Clarke.“Celebrating harvest 2008 provides a very welcome boost to the local community after the effects of the December earthquake. The wine industry is one of the larger contributors to our local economy and provides significant employment in the area.“All indications are that, despite the earthquake, our long, dry summer bodes well for a great harvest, which is welcome news for Gisborne that prides itself on being the first region in New Zealand to kick off the wine harvest.”Montana’s early harvest grapes in Gisborne are used largely for sparkling wines, for which the company has a 90% share of New Zealand’s export market.Sparkling wines are a growth variety for New Zealand wine exports, especially to the UK, and Pernod Ricard’s brands, particularly Montana Brut Cuveé and Lindauer, are leading that growth.Gisborne has long been known as New Zealand’s ‘Chardonnay Capital’ as it produces around 40% of the country’s Chardonnay. And while the region has won countless accolades over the years for its signature variety, predictions for this year are for something extra special.“Cool conditions over part of the flowering period in spring has led to smaller than average berry size for some of the earlier flowering Chardonnay varieties in Gisborne. Combined with a long, hot summer this should lead to intense flavours in the ripe fruit, perfect for great wines”, says Jeff Clarke, chief winemaker.“It’s great to see what looks to be such a promising vintage hot on the heels of an outstanding 2007. From a winemaker’s perspective, we’re extremely excited about the flavour potential a harvest like this could deliver.”The first week of the harvest will see the bubbly varieties being plucked from the vines. These include Chardonnay – used for Montana Brut Cuveé and Lindauer wines.The Gisborne region, New Zealand’s third largest producer of wine grapes, last year produced 12.8% of the national harvest, totalling 26,000 tonnes.The region’s 2008 harvest is predicted to be 21,500 tonnes, around 17% down on last year, with a smaller crop expected for the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer varieties.However, the later varieties, including Pinot Gris, Semillon, Muscat and Merlot, have all set well during the long, hot weather and are expected to meet last year’s levels.While much of the interest and excitement for wine enthusiasts will be around Gisborne’s signature Chardonnay, a number of other varieties are growing in importance in the region.“As a wine-growing region, Gisborne certainly has made a name for itself when it comes to Chardonnay. And, with the area producing the majority of New Zealand’s sparkling wine exports, it’s safe to say we’re also the nation’s bubbly capital”.


HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong stands to become an international wine hub and profit from rapidly growing demand in China after abolishing a 40-percent tax on the tipple, industry experts said

Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang on Wednesday scrapped all duty on wine and beer, saying he hoped to create a wine trading and distribution market in the booming southern Chinese territory.Boris de Vroomen, chairman of the Wine and Spirits Industry Coalition, said the move would "send a strong message that Hong Kong is determined to become an international fine wine hub" alongside London and New York."Hong Kong has everything needed to create a fine wine hub and the only thing preventing that was the duty," he said."As much as 40 percent of fine wines traded and sold in London are sold to consumers based in Hong Kong but stored in London, so Hong Kong does not benefit."Wine consumption in Asia has risen sharply in recent years and is forecast to increase further.De Vroomen, who leads a joint venture between drink-maker Diageo and LVMH, owner of Moet champagne, forecast Chinese consumers would buy around 50 million cases of imported wine a year by 2017, up from just two million now.Auction house Bonhams responded to the news by announcing it would hold what it said was Hong Kong's first wine sale in a decade."Hong Kong has quickly established itself as a growing market leader in the trade and collecting of the finest and rarest wines on the planet," said Frank Martell, Bonhams' international wine director."The proposed exemption of wine from duty... has opened up a new dimension in the trade."Nicholas Pegna, Hong Kong managing director of wine merchants Berry Bros and Rudd, said the decision to scrap duty would make the city "very competitive.""A bottle of wine will now be cheaper in Hong Kong than anywhere else in Asia," he said."It will make Hong Kong into a sensible hub for exporting, primarily into China."China will be one of the world's top 10 wine consuming nations by 2010, according to a survey carried out for the global wine and spirits convention Vinexpo.Tsang said scrapping taxes on all alcohol except spirits would cost the government about 560 million dollars (72 million US) a year.But he said revenues from trading in and storing wine could increase by as much as four billion dollars a year as a result of the move, adding it could also help develop tourism in the city.