InfoAnda - Australia's wine industry at a crisis crossroad

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Hong Kong to host eye-watering 900 US dollar meal | 23 November 2010
Many Twitters are quick quitters: study | Technology | | 29 April 2009
ABC aims to cut 300-400 jobs: source | 24 February 2010

Saudi Telecom plans acquisitions in 2012 | | 24 October 2011

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Australia's wine industry at a crisis crossroad

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Australia's wine industry at a crisis crossroad Reuters - 46 minutes ago By Rob Taylor MURRUMBATEMAN wine export industry with crushing clarity. March, chief winemaker at Doonkuna Winery, in prize cool climate vine country north of Canberra, had been looking forward to a bumper 2009 harvest, tripling production capacity last year in anticipation of rocketing China demand for his wine. But the global financial crisis has exploded that interest, bringing with it a soul-searching for Australia's vignerons, ironically when good rains and a late summer are set to bring one of the best harvests for years. "We set up to produce all this wine. We spent a lot of money, and then bang, the financial crisis hit us," March told Reuters, standing near his largely new winemaking plant. "Our Chinese importer is hoping for a better next year. Right now we're tightening belts and we're into survival mode." The latest export figures are depressing reading for Australia's wine industry, which for decades led the so-called "New World" challenge to wine's traditional French, German and Italian strongholds. Australia shipped 11 percent less wine by volume and a whopping 18 percent less by value in 2008, delivering the first setback for 15 years, according to government marketing agency the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation, or AWBC. The average litre value of wine sold dropped 7.6 percent to A$3.53. In key British markets, total value slumped 18 percent, while in the United States exports fell over a cliff, slumping 26 percent. Rare bright spots included China, which imported 32 percent more Australian wine by value, off a low base, as well as Hong Kong . SUNSHINE IN A BOTTLE? A few hills distant from Doonkuna, Tim Kirk now sees a reckoning facing the industry in the wake of what even optimistic marketers admit has been an extremely disappointing year. "We have had massive success with an approach of good wine, good price, cheap and cheerful, sunshine in a bottle. But in some respects that's been the seeds of our undoing," Kirk says. Kirk's Clonakilla winery sits at the boutique end of Australia's wine market and his reds, in particular an award-winning shiraz-viognier, have won international acclaim. But Kirk, a thoughtful second-generation winemaker, says Australia has been complacent, believing ground-breaking, cutting-edge production methods developed by the country have seen New World wine supplant the Old. Quality is there, he says, but the problem -- magnified by recession gloom -- is a tradition of marketing overseas based on low price, rather than the critical story of Australia's wines. "Rather than compete on good wine, great price, we need to focus on regionality, on great wine at maybe a good price," says Kirk, whose father began Clonakilla in 1971. Since then Western Australia's Margaret River has become one of the world's great cabernet regions, while South Australia's Clare Valley turns out world beating Reisling. Canberra's continental climate rivals Rhone reds, Kirk says. "The quality is a given, we need to develop the excitement," he says. "We have ancient soils, every bit capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the great wines of Europe. Australia needs to grow up." INCONVENIENT TRUTH Industry heavyweights recognise the problem, which has gained urgency following the export decline and as last year's credit crunch spreads shockwaves among major economies, with Germany, the United States, Japan and the UK in recession. A turbulent run for the Australian dollar, which neared U.S. dollar parity last year before a dramatic depreciation, underscores Australia's need for a strategy other than competing with low-wage rivals in Chile, Argentina and South Africa. "We got caught in a tailspin of tactical responses to apparent opportunities in market which were usually promotion-driven," says Paul Henry, General Manager of Market Development for the AWBC. Australia exported 62 percent of its wine in 2008 and in some markets the percentage sold on promotion was above 80 percent as the country looked to repeat 2007's A$3 billion export high milestone. The average for France is around 40 percent. The industry is by some estimates 20 percent too large with many newcomers having entered expecting an export bonanza. That has harmed the image of Australia's overall wine brand, Henry says, making it synonymous with low price in key markets such as Britain, and some parts of North America. "The real inconvenient truth for Australia is that we are not the best placed in the world to compete on volume or price alone," he says. "There's a stark realization to come to, which is that our immediate future is going to look very different to our recent past, in which our ability to produce large volumes of compellingly branded easy-drinking wine at a price was dominant and exclusive." WHO'S TO BLAME? Greg Corra, who ships the top end of Australia's wine to 32 countries from a small farm outside the capital Canberra, says many large Australian winemakers have themselves to blame as they look for ways to cork an export crash. "Yes, there is a financial crisis. But the ones who are suffering the most are the larger producers who have allowed the quality of their products to decline in a bid to meet demand in the good times," Corra told Reuters. Australia's industry is dominated by Foster's, the world's second largest wine company, with brands including Beringer, Rosemount and Penfolds. Other major players include U.S.-based Constellation Brands, which owns the Hardy's label. French-based Pernod Ricard owns the top-selling Jacob's Creek, while some other major Australian exporters are family-owned, such as Casella Wines, whose popular Yellow Tail label has enjoyed phenomenal U.S. success. Around 15 percent of all wine products leaving Australia are Casella's and 9 percent of Australia's total grape crush in 2007 went through the company's huge plant near Griffith, which claims the world's fastest bottling line. Corra agrees the future for Australia's industry now lies in higher quality offerings that still sell despite the recession. "I only just entered the UK market as the recession hit and demand there is amazingly strong. I've just sold 3,000 cases and another 10,000 cases will likely follow," he says. But that is small comfort to March, who admits taking advice to try to sell into China at the lowest price possible -- a few U.S. dollars a bottle -- and hoping to ride the tail of the country's growing wine fascination, moving up the quality later. "They told us don't worry, the Chinese don't know what they're drinking. I reckon a few growers round here will be pulling out vines by the end of the year," he says. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Five killed in SKorean police raid: YonhapAFP - 32 minutes ago S'pore ministers' pay may be cut 20 pct this year-mediaReuters - 37 minutes ago Australia's wine industry at a crisis crossroadReuters - 45 minutes ago Australia says 2 fishermen rescued; report 18 lostAP - 1 hour 1 minute ago More than 40 trapped in South Korea fireReuters - 1 hour 13 minutes ago Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed 'Overwhelming emotion' at star-studded inaugural concert Zimbabwe unveils $100 trillion banknote 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Faulty gene condemns millions in India to heart disease: study Hamas announces one-week truce after Israel ceasefire View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Iraqis out stumping for votes in show of democracy
Israel to pull out of Gaza by Obama inauguration
Russia, Ukraine agree to end gas crisis
US-TECH Summary
Venezuela opposition attacked after Chavez speech | International |
Top Shiite cleric urges Iraqis to vote on Jan. 31
Kelly Osbourne Arrested For Slapping A Gossip Columnist
British trials to use stem cells for stroke, blindness
SAP, IBM to roll out first joint software "Alloy" in March
Zimbabwe talks at risk of collapse: opposition | International |
Israel-Hamas truce holds in Gaza
T-Mobile to offer G1 in more European countries
1 Shot, 4 Stabbed During "Notorious" Film Release
UN chief to visit Gaza on January 20: Israel
France and UK reportedly push for EU sanctions on Iran
SAP, IBM to roll out first joint software Alloy in March | Technology |
Australian convicted of insulting Thai monarchy
Basketball: New ASEAN league to start in September
Obama honors Martin Luther King on inauguration eve
Hard-liner to lead Seoul's NKorea policy
Iranian AIDS doctors sentenced to prison
Oil prices drop sharply as weak demand bites
Obama vows to renew America's promise
Sri Lanka searches for rebel leader
Day Before Inauguration, Obama Helps Paint Homeless Shelter
Afghan president claims defense deal with Russia
Japan Admits Chicago Likely To Win 2016 Olympic Hosting Bid
China reports second bird flu death this year
Bush Says Goodbye To World Leaders During Last Day As President
Obama Says On MLK Day, 'Remember His Lesson
Jobless migrants flood back to China's villages
US general: Kyrgyz base will not close
US says NKorea will face tough Obama
China plans own satellite navigation system by 2015: state media
Farmhouse from UK cult film Withnail up for sale | Entertainment |
Celebrities make service pledge videos to Obama on MySpace
Russia's music tunes in to international marketplace
Richemont sees dramatic drop in demand for luxury goods
Sting brings music, eco-message to Sundance fest
Balls for a cause, dresses for less for Obama inaugural
Group bids to cheer up Britons on Blue Monday
Japanese fado singer captivates Lisbon
Farmhouse from UK cult film "Withnail" up for sale
Afghan attacks kill three
Zimbabwe talks end without deal | International |
Jewish leaders object to Nazi imagery at rallies
Merkel hails German stimulus but warns again on debt
Shadow of vigilantes appears in Mexico drug war | International |
Music industry urged to embrace the Internet
Despite its threats, Hamas put up light resistance
RBS shares collapse on forecast of record annual loss
Medical 'microbot' to swim human arteries
Cuban dissident Paya calls for national dialogue | International |
Fairy godfather invites disadvantaged to inaugural ball
More than 40 trapped in South Korea fire: witness | International |
Salvador's leftists make gains in congress voting | International |
Myanmar fishermen survive month at sea in ice box | International |
French veteran photographer Marc Riboud wins award
Hopes high worldwide for Obama presidency: poll
Music industry urged to embrace the Internet | Technology |
Canada PM to Obama: Focus on financial system
Five killed in SKorean police raid: Yonhap
S'pore ministers' pay may be cut 20 pct this year-media
Australia's wine industry at a crisis crossroad
Australia says 2 fishermen rescued; report 18 lost
More than 40 trapped in South Korea fire
President Bush Commutes Two More Prison Sentences On Final Day
213 China families take milk case to highest court
Seoul shares open lower led by banks, techs
NZ inflation drops sharply to 3.4 percent
NZ inflation slows sharply, backs big rate cut
Dark indie film market sees faint light at Sundance | Entertainment |
Rapper 50 Cent expands empire to filmmaking | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
French veteran photographer Marc Riboud wins award
Dark indie film market sees faint light at Sundance
British racial barriers breaking down: population study
CORRECTED: Gael Garcia Bernal does Cha Cha Cha at Sundance
Carrey, McGregor lock lips with `Phillip Morris'
Far fewer Americans see racism as major problem: poll
Klaus asks Czech govt to 'disavow' EU art exhibit
Israel set to quit Gaza before Obama inauguration | International |
North Korea steps up warnings against South | International |
Petraeus flies into Pakistan for govt talks
Apple sells used products for less in China
Gazprom will start gas supplies to Europe at 0700 GMT
Israel set to quit Gaza before inauguration
Russia says Europe gas flow to restart | International |
Russian human rights lawyer, reporter shot dead
China announces third bird flu death this year | International |
New York Times gets Slim financial lifeline
Australia state declares massive monsoon disaster | International |
EU voters resistant to further Afghan deployments: poll
US activists vent their rage as Bush exits
Thai political analyst charged with insulting king | International |
China fears containment as defense spending rises | International |
Kidnappers free Greek shipping magnate | International |
Guantanamo suspects defiant as uncertainty shrouds hearings
Pakistani militants kill 6 suspected US spies
With hopes and doubts, world awaits Obama
Indonesia to halt search for ferry victims
Apple sells used products for less in China | Technology |
Six killed in blaze during SKorea raid on protesters: police
NZ: Fiji may face more sanctions over no elections
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,229
Shanghai ups food hygiene; coliform found in cakes
Cisco to sell servers with virtualization: report | Technology |
Delta, JetBlue Face Lawsuit From Flight Attendant Over Provocative Dress Requirement
Cambodia's KRouge court urges victims to join trial
Accused 9/11 Plotters Proud Of Murder, Welcome Death Penalty In Gitmo Trial
Thai army chief denies migrant cruelty: spokesman
Boy dies from bird flu in China, third death this month: state media
Avalanches Kill 3 Snowmobilers In Montana
Surgeons Separate Conjoined Twins In Oklahoma
China calls for better military ties under Obama
Two Supermarkets Recall Peanut Butter Crackers, Ice Cream
China city bans web users from posting about officials: report
Toyota names family scion as new president
FACTBOX-S.Korea to place 14 firms in banks-led restructuring
SKorea records first annual trade deficit for 11 years
Oil prices fall in Asian trade
Toyota taps founder's grandson as new president
Seoul shares fall 2 pct; banks tumble, but KTF up
Toyota says to reshuffle top management
Toyota to name new president as global sales fall
Toyota to announce new president
Toyota's global sales fell 4 percent in 2008
Brad Pitt, at 45, not worried about old age | Entertainment |
Broadcasters put all hands on deck for inauguration | Entertainment |
Quincy Jones joins Bono as newspaper columnist | Entertainment |
All you need is Net, '60s folkie Donovan says | Entertainment |
Brad Pitt, at 45, not worried about old age
Casting of big-screen Pilgrim progresses | Entertainment |
All you need is Net, '60s folkie Donovan says
Broadcasters put all hands on deck for inauguration
Casting of big-screen "Pilgrim" progresses
Ali salutes Obama at inaugural soiree
France's truffle purists sniff out Chinese 'impostors'
Quincy Jones joins Bono as newspaper columnist
New music services wow cellphone users
Dublin radio airs new U2 single
Brad Pitt, at 45, not worried about old age
Rapper 50 Cent expands empire to filmmaking
Flight Attendant Sues 2 Airlines For Rejecting Her 'Unprovocative' Outfit
UN chief Ban arrives in Gaza
Canadian blackberry maker RIM may appeal court block of takeover
Fiat vice head says 'discussions' held with Chrysler: agencies
Iraqis eager for first polls since 2005
Iraqis eager for first polls since 2005 | International |
Joy, poignancy in Washington with Obama on cusp of power
Russian gas shipments to Europe resume: Gazprom
China announces third bird flu death this year | International |
Saudi petrochem giant Sabic's profits sag on global crisis
Pakistan launches assault in NW, 20 militants dead | International |
Rwandan troops enter Congo to hunt Hutu rebels | International |
India tests missile amid tensions with Pakistan | International |
Germany's Merkel warns on U.S. auto subsidies
Thai PM will investigate migrant abuse charges
Karzai urges US-NATO to prevent civilian deaths
Chinese Premier Wen to visit Europe next week
Malaysia's ruling party blames unfriendly image for defeat: Najib
Obama Specials Wait Chicago Visitors
China announces third bird flu death this year
Cheney Hurts Back While Moving Out Of Naval Observatory; Will Attend Inauguration In Wheelchair
India test fires missile in province near Pakistan
In Dinner Honoring Rival, Obama Says McCain 'Driven By A Pure And Deep Love Of America'
16-year-old Chinese boy dies from H5N1 bird flu
First 100 Days Of Obama Expected To Rally Wall Street
Police clash with protesters in Seoul; 6 dead
Thai academic charged with insulting the king
South Korean spousal rapist commits suicide: police
Toyota taps founder's grandson as new president
Hong Kong stock index drops nearly 3 percent
WRAPUP 1-S.Korean banks sever credit to start corporate revamps
China financial cops linked to Gome tycoon case
Taiwan shares fall 2.8 percent
China shares rise on industry stimulus plan hopes
Japan's Mitsubishi Motors to suspend some Japan operations
Japan stocks lose ground amid Europe bank woes
More than 550,000 Chinese laid off by credit crisis in Q4: govt
Scammers Exploit Obama's "Resignation" To Spread Malware, Hijack Computers
Fake Websites Exploit Obama's "Resignation" To Hijack Computers
Iraq bringing home Saddam yacht from France
U.S. military kills 22 militants in Afghanistan | International |
Spanish government confirms six arrests in Islamist raids
Intel cuts prices of some processors: report
UN chief calls for accountability over school bombings in Gaza
Pakistan tells powers to stop demanding more | International |
Ban calls for accountability over UN school bombings in Gaza
Banks crisis haunts markets as Obama steps up
Arabs pledge aid to Gaza without consensus on mechanism
Rwandan troops enter DR Congo to pursue Hutu rebels
Fiat set to take 35% of Chrysler under signed deal
UN chief pays first visit to Gaza as truce holds
Chinese FA 'appoints new head'
A sea of people for Obama inauguration
Intel cuts prices of some processors: report | Technology |
US reaches deal on Afghan supply routes to troops
SKorean convicted of marital rape commits suicide
3 die after being knocked off train roof in India
OPEC chief says supply curbs to boost price
SKorea approves troop dispatch near Somalia
Police clash with protesters in Seoul; 6 dead
SKorea: NKorea still carrying out nuclear deal
China urges Hamas to 'face reality,' stop attacks
Obama Administration To Lunch On Apple Cinammon Sponge Cake, Other Abraham Lincoln Favorites Tuesday
Inauguration Feature: Housing And Tourism Leaders Optimistic Obama Stimulus Plans Could Benefit Florida
Inauguration Feature: Tampa Bay Resident's Thoughts On What Obama's Presidency Means To Florida
Inauguration Feature: Obama And The Coming Economy
Inauguration Feature: All Eyes On Washington
Potential buyers approach Satyam
Airline Passengers Score Misuse Of Patriot Act
Toyota returns to founding roots in choosing new
Defense Sec. Robert Gates Designated As Successor To Obama On Inauguration
Mitsubishi to halt main Japan plant for 3 weeks
Obama Inaugural Address To Focus On 'Responsibility' Of Government, Americans In Moving Nation Forward
Fiat To Take 35% Stake In Chrysler
National Association Of Home Builders Estimate 20 Percent Of Builders Have Closed The Past Two Years
Drown a moving love story in post-trauma New York | Entertainment |
Abu Dhabi Building City Of The Future That Will Run On Green Energy Sources
Netbooks Confuse Computer Retailers
In men's fashion, devil's in the detail
Flushed away: EU artwork removes Bulgarian toilet
Economic blues disappear at Milan's winter 2009 show
Sundance: Film fest welcomes futuristic flicks
Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez wow inaugural gala
Gore, enviros celebrate changing of the guard
Aretha Franklin warms up for inauguration
Misplaced Application Of Patriot Act Includes Terrorist Conviction For Minor Offenses Some Passengers Say
Ten-Year-Old Florida Reporters Gets Credentials To Cover Obama Inauguration
Hundreds Fell Off Train Roof After Trees Sweep Them In India
Ghost 'Haunts' Cop's Cell Phone Video
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01