ViniPortugal Annual Forum in Santarém 12/12/2011 #FAVPT

 

The ViniPortugal Annual Forum was held yesterday (December 12) in Santarém, Portugal.

This working session presented the marketing plan for 2012. They also debated and reflected on the Portuguese wine market. 

Some of the statistics of the Portuguese wine industry that were presented there:

• 651.6 millions of Euros exported in 2010 (in comparison, 569.1 were exported in 2009)
•  260 millions of liters were exported in 2010 (in comparison, 239.8 were exported in 2009)
• Port wine represents about 50% of the total value (in Euros) of Portuguese wine exports, but less than 30% of the production (in hectoliters)
•  Angola is the biggest market for Portuguese wines with 25.7% (2008-2010)
• Other main markets are: France (12%), Germany (7.1%), Spain (6.2%), UK (6%), USA (4.4%), Brazil (3.2%), and Canada (3%) (2008-2010)
• Combined these 8 countries represent almost 70% of the total wine exports (2008-2010)

And here some of the most important messages of the event:

"This is what the market wants:
1. Less oak! Portugal's finest asset in the world of wines are the fruit, its generousity and its acidity, but the structure of the wines are seldom in balance with the excessive oak treatment that is only too common and definitely not so when using new American oak. By reducing the oak you can also keep the price down, gaining volume in sales.
2. Focus on wines where quality can pay off in quantity! Too many Portugese wine makers are focusing too hard on prestige wines, or... are producing the cheapest wine possible. But in my opinion it is the middle range table wines that will open the way for an international success.
3. Be proud of your white wines! The white wines of Portugal are in many cases of world class, a fact that is known by very few abroad. The top alvarinhos are superior to all albariños I have tasted, and the very same goes for whites from the Douro as well as for a handful more. Keep the yields low and the spirit up. The recognition is there to be gained." Bengt Göran Kronstam, Sweden

"We have to be careful to distinguish between fine wines and commodity or commercial wines here. Portugal does both. For fine wines, Portugal has carved out a really successful niche as an interesting player. Look at the success of the top table wines from the Douro, Dão and Alentejo. Over the next 10 years I think we will see further progress at the top end, as a track record for these (relatively new) wines is established. The Dão has great potential, and will continue to make ome superb wines. At the cheaper end, I think we need to see some strong brands emerging, with a sense of Portuguese identity but with the volume, quality and distribution necessary to win over consumers."
Jamie Goode, (UK), wine writer

"Proudly watching @murlidor defend Wines of Portugal authenticity. #portugal #proud #FAVPT"
Andre Ribeirinho - @andrerib - via twitter

Cheers,

LA

 

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