By Filippo Lazzaretto of Intermediazioni Lazzaretto S.r.l

Over the last years, the Italian bulk wine market has changed a lot. Bulk wine no longer moves just from south to north Italy or from Italy to the same European countries as in the recent past. Now it moves worldwide and this international market is very important, because this is where it all begins. This is where the wine market is defined, and where prices are determined, right up to the final price of the bottles on the supermarket shelves.

By Panos Kakaviatos

by Michael Fridjhon

When Hong Kong decided to become a fine wine hub and scrapped its duty, there were questions over whether this would prompt people to buy more wine, or simply consume more alcohol. So far the fine wine plan seems to be working – but Hong Kong still has logistical problems to overcome.

by Felicity Carter

There’s no doubt about it – times are tough. In many companies, the accountants will be passing their ruler over expenses, thinking of things to cut from the budget – and if previous recessions are any guide, one of the first things to go will advertising. Yet this could be the worst mistake a wine company could make in the current environment.

by Felicity Carter

When 60 Minutes aired a 1991 program on the ‘French paradox’, it kicked off a wine boom. The program suggested that rates of red wine consumption explained why France had lower rates of cardiac disease than the US, despite the French diet being higher in fat. The story also unleashed a flood of articles extolling the health-giving properties of wine.

 by Felicity Carter

The Languedoc-Rousillon region along the Mediterranean Sea in southern France is the world’s largest wine producing area, responsible for a third of France’s wine production. A new brand may bring the region together. It is also a region in trouble. One response has been to replace Coteaux de Languedoc with an expanded appellation in order to simplify things. Another is to try New World style branding...with a twist.

 by Sally Easton MW

As the global wine trade becomes ever more corporatised and competitive, having skilled employees with an intimate knowledge of not just wine, but the wine business, becomes ever more important. Employers should take a closer look at what wine education is available.