FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
- International Organisations
- OIV and FAO Cooperation: Complying with general lockdown guidelines, the Director-Generals of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) met online on 09 April 2020 to discuss ways to facilitate closer cooperation in such areas as health, trade, and statistics.
- OIV Report: On 22 April 2020, Pau Roca, the Director General of the OIV, delivered a comprehensive report on the state of the wine industry. He noted, among other things, that the closure of bars and restaurants in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus had dramatically reduced global wine sales and winemakers’ revenues in Europe. The OIV’s press release and the report on wine trade for 2019 are available here.
- Patterns of Production and Consumption
- France – Impact on Winemaking: We thought that this publication by Œnologues de France might be of interest (French version only). This edition discusses key wine trade issues in these uncertain times.
- United Kingdom – Drinking Declines: A survey conducted by Alcohol Change UK reportedly found that 47 percent of those who drink once a week or less have cut down or stopped drinking entirely.
- United States – E-commerce Sales Rise: Online sales of alcohol reportedly increased 291 percent during March 2019, compared with the previous year, perhaps raising the question whether e-commerce will end up taking a larger share of retail beverage alcohol sales over the long-term.
- Wine Definitions
- France – Natural Wine: This author discusses the challenges associated with adopting an official definition of natural wine and deciding who may use the term. While a group of producers reportedly won approval last year for an official, but voluntary certification of natural wine in France after discovering that some were using grapes sprayed with pesticides, others have expressed concern about adding to the financial and administrative burdens of small-scale, artisanal natural winemakers.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
- Sweden – Social Awareness: Systembologet recently published its annual report which, among other things, describes its work in the area of social aspects, including offering world class customer service and raising awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol. The report also describes how Systembolaget is working to advance the UN’s social development goals, with a particular focus on good health and well-being.
- United States – Responsible Consumption: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) recently launched an updated version of the DISCUS Code of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing. We would also like to share a summary of the changes for your background.