Argentina's government has played a key role in its UK success says ambassador

By Richard Siddle

Published: 17 October, 2014

The Argentinian government has played a key role in the success of Argentine wine in the UK, according to its UK ambassador, Alicia Castro.

Speaking at a special tasting for MPs and Lords at the House of Commons to help promote bilateral trading, the ambassador said she was proud of the role her government had played in making the Argentinian wine industry one of its key success stories.

She said Argentinian wine exports to the UK had risen by around 35% in the last year, and was up over 100% over the last 10 years. The UK was now its third largest export market and Argentina was the fifth largest wine producer worldwide.

She said: "A significant portion of this growth can be attributed to active policies implemented by our government over recent years to promote the sector."

The Argentinian wine industry, she added, had developed an "excellent infrastructure that has enabled it to offer services that make it increasingly dynamic, such as the 'Wine Route' and top-of-the-range hotel and restaurant developments".

"The wine industry in Argentina incorporates new technology and boosts regional economies, promoting growth and creating jobs", she added.

Castro said: "We want more British people to be able to enjoy Argentine wine, which combines our best traditions with our best innovations."

"Wine," she continued, "builds bridges and promotes friendship and dialogue."

The event was co-hosted by Robin Walker MP chair of the British-Argentine All-Party Parliamentary Group. "It is one of the most appreciated Argentine traditions here in England", added Walker.

The event was also attended by the former British Ambassador in Argentina and the current chair of Canning House, John Hughes, the chairman of the Anglo Argentine Society, John Wilson and Baroness Hooper.

The meeting was organised by the Embassy in conjunction with Wines of Argentina and included a tasting of wines from wineries including Trapiche, Norton, Rutini, San Pedro de Yacochuya, Viñalba, Finca Sophenia, Familia Schroeder, Algodón, Los Haroldos, Finca Quara, Domaine Bousquet, El Esteco and Del Río Elorza.

Printer friendly version