Is it possible for the Yellow Tail wine brand, the biggest-selling imported wine in the US, to grow any more? To put that question into perspective, last year, Casella Wines accounted for 9 per cent of the Australian vintage. This year, it’s 10 per cent. Managing director John Casella does not regard his task as a complicated one. He makes wine that people like drinking…

The other day I was asked by an organisation called Alcohol in Moderation (AIM) to speak at an industry forum where AIM posed this question to speakers: "Can you develop product innovation, market creatively and increase sales in a responsible manner?" An interesting topic and, given the number of column inches in the media these days about the significant effects of alcohol misuse, a…

In recent times, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz have become brands in the minds of buyers and consumers. Will this lead to a lack of diversity of wine? —- === Opinions that shape the market === Just how important is grape variety to consumers in different wine markets? Wine Intelligence’s global Vinitrac survey finds that varietal is an important choice cue in all markets, though…

In countries such as France and Italy [importance of international varieties ] is limited because they have regional histories. New World producers with no regional history use grape varieties and this is exactly the right attitude. Consumers have an expectation of Cabernet or Chardonnay. The first choice (for wine) is colour and the next is grape variety. The international varieties help in blending so you put…

The temptation is to say “yes “, but to do this is to misunderstand mainstream consumers. Most do not have in-depth knowledge and grape varieties act as signposts. To learn a new system for wine is confusing and inhibits both experimentation and the kind of self-assured choice which they exhibit elsewhere in the store. While this can seem patronising, much can also be done in…

International grape varieties help build the average consumer’s confidence in choice, which helps grow overall sales and the number of consumers. On the other hand, we risk losing the unique character of local varieties and the range of wine flavours available. The good news is that the local varieties, which make good wine, are usually “rediscovered “. Some of the indigenous varieties don’t make very good wine…

The rosé category is growing fast as consumers find it suits quick, easy food and Asian-influenced flavours, and it has particular appeal to younger drinkers and women, who are increasingly making the household wine buying choices. Market researcher Euromonitor International says that in the period 2002-2007: "Rosé is the major success story in still, light grape wine, with volumes up by 12 per cent over…

Sans Ginola, the wine would barely get a mention, but with the former French international’s involvement, the IWC publicity machine has kicked into action and the great man is due to appear on the stand. Normally the wine trade’s very own celebrities, Tim Atkin and Charles Metcalfe, have the floor to themselves. Not this Tuesday – this Super Tuesday for the IWC and LIWF. There’s…

It was a challenge for the mixologists taking part, but their professionalism shone through. They created perfect cocktails in a packed auditorium, away from the familiarity of their own bars and in front of an esteemed panel of judges. Throughout the day, the Ambassadors Suite in the Distil exhibition hall in London’s ExCel was filled with visitors and brand-owners. In this competition, the cocktail is…

Spain’s leading native brand, the single grain, five-times distilled Evolution vodka, is using strong music, dj and clubbing tie-ins with the aim of leapfrogging the brand beyond its Spanish heartland to a more global audience of drinkers. Brand activity has majored on sponsorship of Spanish music festivals with an international theme, including the Infinita Gay Festival in Madrid, which attracts upwards of 2…