communications without intelligence is noise Global Wine Trends Weekly Update created: 17.07.2009 Critical Publics | EDOAO Global Wine Trends 17/07/2009 Weekly Update Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................. 2 Global Market Watch ............................................................................ 4 Region not important, wine drinkers say ....................................................... 4 Price of wine soars despite recession ............................................................. 4 Pinot Grigio leapfrogs Sauvignon Blanc ......................................................... 5 Australian wines given Greenpeace rating ..................................................... 5 Coming of age ................................................................................................. 6 Wine ................................................................................................................ 7 Sauce: light red wines for summer ................................................................. 7 In Spain, These Hills Are Alive (Again!) .......................................................... 8 Rosés Are Back, and Sparkling ....................................................................... 8 Discount wines a concern ............................................................................... 9 Anthony Rose: The aim is to give the man in the street the chance to exchange wine, eBay-style, over the internet ................................................ 9 Global Industry Watch ........................................................................ 10 New World joins forces to head off European threat ................................... 10 Foreign investors move on Chile ................................................................... 11 Shift in wine purchases affects winegrape growers ..................................... 11 Is Constellation in Trouble? .......................................................................... 12 Italians dig up vines, wine output growth slows ......................................... 13 UK: Drinks firms launch GBP100m responsible drinking campaign ............. 14 Marlborough trade leader slams UK discounts ............................................. 15 Property tycoon aims to harvest wine growth ............................................. 15 World's largest wine appellation comes into being ...................................... 15 Alsace vintners: stopping varietal labelling would be 'catastrophe' ............ 16 Vineyards to move higher? ........................................................................... 17 Wine Domain Catalysts Watch ............................................................ 18 The mechanics of tasting .............................................................................. 18 How dare they dis our wine .......................................................................... 18 Scientific Developments & Technological Breakthroughs Watch ....... 19 Red Wine Consumption and Risk of Prostate Cancer: The California Men's Health Study - Abstract ................................................................................ 19 More good news for wine drinkers. .............................................................. 20 Wines from Greece Publicity Monitor ................................................. 20 Greece Lightning ........................................................................................... 20 Critical Publics | EDOAO Page 2 of 27 Global Wine Trends 17/07/2009 Weekly Update Blogosphere Monitor ........................................................................... 21 Small wineries tweet harder ......................................................................... 21 The Poodle and the Wine .............................................................................. 22 Lest We Forget the Average Wine Drinker.... ............................................... 22 Steep Ascent for Ribeira Sacra ..................................................................... 23 Some like it hot and high alcohol – others don’t .......................................... 23 Peripheral Domains Intelligence ........................................................ 24 Take the sommelier home with you ............................................................. 24 Apps, tweets and websites for wine drinkers ............................................... 24 Wine Investment Remains Strong Alternative According To Wilson Douglas ...................................................................................................................... 25 Amorim launches new cork ........................................................................... 25 Bulgaria seizes cocaine haul hidden in wine bottles .................................... 26 Drinking in 'A Case for Wine' ........................................................................ 26 Police collar suspect in multi-million-euro Paris wine thefts ....................... 26 Global Sustaining & Emerging Trends Digest ..................................... 27 Regular wine drinking on the rise ................................................................ 27 Critical Publics | EDOAO Page 3 of 27 Global Wine Trends 17/07/2009 Weekly Update Global Market Watch The global market watch outlines developments, spotted and emerging trends that define the current situation in the global wine landscape. It includes all major developments in the market including consumer trends relating to wine and marketing campaigns or approaches, as well as concerns on health and sustainability. Region not important, wine drinkers say DECANTER, UK 14.07.09: Less than half of UK wine drinkers think region is important when they buy wine, a new report says. In the Wine and Spirit Trade Association's latest Consumer Intelligence survey, 48% of respondents said that region or origin is important, while 59% said country is important when making the buying decision. This will come as no surprise to major producers such as Lindeman's, Blossom Hill and Echo Falls. All are now producing wine in a number of countries under the same brand. Clare Griffiths, VP European Consumer Marketing for Constellation Europe said country of origin and regionality were low on the list for Echo Falls consumers. 'What is important to these consumers is the right taste profile, a recognisable grape variety and an easy drinking wine at the right price,' she added. The survey also shows promotions are more important than ever. 77% of respondents said discounts like three for £10, or money off deals were very important to their buying decision. This is compared to 61% three years ago. The report also showed Pinot Grigio has overtaken Sauvignon Blanc as the UK's second most popular white grape variety. Pinot Grigio is experiencing a surge in popularity with 54% of the UK's regular wine drinkers consuming it in the past six months. While Chardonnay maintains its leadership of the UK white wine market, it has lost fans in the past three years. Sergio de Luca, director of buying for Italian specialist Enotria, told decanter.com, 'The strength of Pinot Grigio sales, despite euro exchange rate problems and duty increases, demonstrates the flexibility of the grape variety. 'It shows that the neutrality of this wine makes it easier for consumers to choose it'. Wine Intelligence, for the WSTA, surveyed 3,059 regular UK wine drinkers between March and April 2009. http://www.decanter.com/news/news.php?id=286213 Price of wine soars despite recession THIS IS MONEY, UK 17.07.09: The price of a bottle of wine has soared by up to 44p in the past 12 months, figures showed yesterday. The increase, which was the biggest for years, was mainly down to tax rises, it is claimed. It means that the average price of a bottle from a shop is now £4.26 - 18p more than a year ago. But in high street off-licences the increase was even greater, rising 44p in the year to May to £5.38. The average price in supermarkets is £4.08, 18p more than a year ago. Critical Publics | EDOAO Page 4 of 27 Global Wine Trends 17/07/2009 Weekly Update The average rise of 18p is almost double that seen in previous years when the cost of a bottle of wine increased by 10p or 11p, according to trade journal Off Licence News. Rosie Davenport, of Off Licence News, said: 'At a time when retailers are being accused of irresponsible pricing, prompting calls to set a minimum, this research shows wine prices are increasing. While the volume of wine sold has remained unchanged, wine sales are up 6%. 'The single biggest factor contributing to rising prices is government tax on alcohol, although some consumers are undoubtedly treating themselves to more expensive bottles to drink at home rather than going out to restaurants. 'The vast majority of wine drinkers are now paying the price of excessive duty hikes. And all at a time when shoppers are watching their wallets like never before. If the Government bows to pressure for a minimum price, sensible drinkers will be further penalised with today's average bottle price of £4.26 soaring to £8.' Taxes make up about half the £4.26 average price of a bottle of wine. The figures, compiled by market analysts Nielsen, also found that specialist wine chains are suffering most, with sales down 2% in the year to May. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/bargains-and-rip- offs/article.html?in_article_id=488630&in_page_id=5&position=moretopstories