Long Read: Does sustainability sell? The new factors driving purchaser decision-making

Drawing on data from a recent survey of over 500 wine and spirits drinkers, Callum Saunders, head of planning at brand activation marketing agency Zeal Creative, shows how that focus on sustainability is increasing, not decreasing, as a result of the pressures of Covid.

De Bortoli supports Oz reforestation with new range

Family-owned Australian winery De Bortoli Wines has launched a new range to help support the reforestation of the Australian landscape, devastated by the extensive bushfires.

Primum Familiae Vini appoints Matthieu Perrin as new president

Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), an association of twelve European family wine producers, has appointed Matthieu Perrin of Famille Perrin in the Rhone Valley as its new President.

Botrytis bio-fungicide approved in Australia

Eden Research has received authorisation for the sale of its bio-fungicide, which protects against Botrytis Cinerea, in Australia, for use on wine and table grapes.

Wine GB unveils first British producers to receive sustainable certification

Wine GB has announced the first British vineyards and wineries to formally achieve recognition for their sustainable credentials. 

Diageo claims first with ‘paper’ spirits bottle as part of new sustainability venture

Diageo has announced that it has created what it claims to be the world’s first 100% plastic free paper-based spirits bottle.

Jerry Lockspieser: looking in the rear view mirror at 30 years in wine (part 2)

In my last post I reflected on the big societal trends that created the context I worked in as a wine entrepreneur over the last 30 years. I continue here with the big trends within the world of wine itself.

Hatch Mansfield claims trio of eco firsts by becoming carbon neutral

Hatch Mansfield has revealed it has managed to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero for 2019, making it the first in the industry to achieve a trio of recognised sustainability accreditations.

Primum Familiae Vini launches €100,000 annual prize

Ehrmanns pours Beefsteak into cans

Ehrmanns Wines has launched its Beefsteak Club Mendoza Malbec in 250ml can format (rrp: £2.99).

New sustainability drive and HQ announced at ‘virtual’ Sicilia EP event

As Italy began its cautious lifting of lockdown, the annual Sicilia En Primeur event took the form of a virtual global webinar late last week, where organiser Assovini presented to many of those that would have attended the planned conference in Cefalù.

Lack of global sustainability standard impeding consumer buy-in

The absence of a coherent, joined-up global standard to measure producers’ progress on sustainability risks undermining communication on the good progress being made by the wine industry.

Waitrose claims UK supermarket first with ‘wine in a tube’

Waitrose has claimed a UK supermarket first with the launch of a fully recyclable ‘wine in a tube’ range.

Saperavi trials among host of ‘experimental’ measures in Banfi sustainability programme

Leading Tuscan producer Castello Banfi is pushing viticultural boundaries as part of its wider commitment to advancing sustainability, with hybrid grapes and interlopers such as Georgia’s Saperavi on the cards.

Game-changing scale up for flat bottle packaging from Accolade-Garçon partnership

Accolade Wines has collaborated with Garçon Wines, inventor of the 750ml flattened wine bottle, to introduce the environmentally friendly bottles across several of its brands, also investing in a new bottling line as part of the partnership.  

Climate crunch

New mathematical forecasting is helping scientists plot vine suitability against an ever-changing climate map. Jo Gilbert looks at the challenges to 2050 and beyond.

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the can

Lanchester Wines is to launch the UK’s first Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in a 187ml can.

California export drive

Andrew Catchpole reports on the inaugural California Export conference, which drew together a host of wine experts from around the world to explore the opportunities for the Golden State. 

Villa Maria trials native plants as herbicides alternative

Villa Maria Estate has embarked on a trial using native plants and cover crops as an alternative to herbicides. 

Sea Change on track to double donations to £100,000

Sea Change Wine, the eco-conscious wine range developed by 10 International, has revealed it is on track to double donations to £100,000 by the end of the year.