Vinexpo organisers say figures down, but confidence up

An early release of Vinexpo attendence figures show a decline in numbers from 2007's event, but organisers are saying that Vinexpo 2009, has marked a turning point in business confidence.

Amarula's marketing campaign hits Edinburgh

Cream liqueur brand Amarula has created an African oasis in the middle of Edinburgh as part of its summer marketing campaign.

Prosecco awarded DOCG status

Prosecco producers are celebrating today after the region has finally been awarded DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status after 40 years.

Cavit appoints new general manager

Trentino co-operative Cavit has appointed a new general manager, Enrico Zanoni.

Morgan's Spiced back on TV

The first Morgan's Spiced TV campaign for over five years forms the centrepiece of a £3m marketing spend on the rum brand by Diageo this summer.

New £1.4m TV ad for Pimm's

Diageo GB is investing £1.4m in a new TV ad for Pimm's, running from July 1 until the end of August.

Lanson launches new Champagne at Wimbledon

Champagne Lanson has launched its new Extra Age Brut cuvée at the Wimbledon Championships in London and VinExpo in Bordeaux.

Wine industry must promote responsible drinking

The wine industry must pull together and promote responsible drinking against the growing global backlash against excessive alcohol consumption, delegates were warned at Vinexpo.
Speaking at the Individual roles and shared responsibility seminar, Robert Beynat, Vinexpo commissioner general, described the health lobbying groups as the "medical Taliban" against the industry but urged delegates not to ignore them.
Robert Madelin, European Commission director general, health and consumers, added: "Wine is unique in its aspects of culture and identity but it is still a commercial product.
"44% of our member-state public authorities want some kind of action to be taken against increased binge drinking. Alcohol is one of the top 10 killers in Europe today," he said.
A Eurobarometer survey carried out by the EC in 2007 across its member states found that 76% of citizens would approve of banning alcohol advertising targeting young people, 50% would buy less alcohol if price went up by 25% and 77% wanted warnings put on alcohol bottles and warnings against drinking and driving and for pregnant women, he said.
Madelin, however, praised the UK iindustry for its approach to tackling binge drinking. He told Harpers: "There is still a degree of mistrust in the UK but at least the industry is
able to work with health bodies to debate the issues surrounding alcohol. The Drinkaware Trust is a good example."
Madelin added that he was confident the UK alcohol industry would make the necessary changes and not the Government, which will only go as far as reacting to public opinion.
"Take advertising of junk food to children. Consumers pressured the industry and it was the industry that decided to curb its advertising to children," he said.
He said that supermarket attitudes were changing because the issues of selling alcohol below cost were "just too hot to handle."
But warned the hospitality industry would take more time due to its fragmented nature and the economic pressures that have led to more promotions such as 2 for 1 and happy hours.
"Change here will come at a local level via Magistrates controlling alcohol licenses," he said.

Roederer Champagne shipment stolen

An entire shipment of Louis Roederer Champagne has been stolen after a lorry bound for the Cert Octavian warehouse in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire was diverted to another location, where it was unloaded by thieves.

Industry stalwart 'Champagne' Teddy Davis dies

Trophies awarded to 122 IWC wines

A record 122 wines have been awarded Trophy status at this year's International Wine Challenge.

Big ambition for Effen after Beam sale

The Dutch vodka brand Effen is being lined up for a major export drive after being bought by Beam Global.

Bacardi's David to be new Grant boss

Bacardi global marketing chief Stella David is to leave the company to become the new chief executive of Scotch producer William Grant.

Wines in the Press - June 19 - 21

What the critics had to say this weekend

New Aussie wine chief appointed

Andrew Cheesman has been named as the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation's new chief executive.

Spanish exports eclipse France

Spain has overtaken France as the number two exporter of wines in volume terms, according to figures from the International Organization of Vine & Wine (OIV).

Rosé sparklings are star of new products at Vinexpo

Rosé sparkling wines and lower sugar Champagnes are some of the many new product launches expected to take centre stage at this week's 15th Vinexpo exhibition that opened in Bordeaux on Sunday, June 21.

Vinexpo opens with record numbers

A record number of countries have descended on Bordeaux this week for the 15th Vinexpo exhibition, which was officially opened by the French Agricultural and Fisheries minister, Michel Barnier, on Sunday, June 21.

London's first distillery for 189 years

A new barley Vodka and London dry Gin is to be launched in the first new London copper-pot distillery for 189 years.

Blason de Bourgogne relaunches with first ad campaign

HwCg is re-launching its Blason de Bourgogne brand under the slogan "We Are Blason" with a new look, more premium varieties and a major consumer advertising campaign.