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Friday 29 March 2024

Don't forget us, say Côtes du Rhône wine producers

With the increasing globalisation of the wine industry, one of France's leading wine regions has lauched a campaign to boost both recognition and sales.

The Côtes du Rhône, shiraz and grenache heartland and the inspiration for many Australian industry wine pioneers, has launched activation in the UK for wine trade and consumers to "rediscover the region" in 2024.

The plan will see a large number of opportunities for both professionals in the wine trade and consumers to get to know more about the reds, rosés and whites of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOCs.

The UK has traditionally been a major market for Côtes du Rhône producers, with affection for the easy drinking styles.

The challenge for the region in 2024 and beyond will be to change preconceived ideas about the colour and freshness of Côtes du Rhône wines, local media reports.

The Côtes du Rhône vineyards stretch across 171 communes with a variety of terroirs.

A separate category within Côtes du Rhône, the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation showcases 22 specific villages. 

The Rock set to unleash his brand power in Australia



The Rock is aiming for global domination with his tequila brand Teremana.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s agave spirit will launch in five international markets this year after debuting in the US.

The brand was founded in 2020 and has a major investor in German spirits company Mast-Jägermeister.

Plans have been revealed to roll the tequila out into the UK, Germany, Australia, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates, where expats and tourists are allowed to drink alcohol.

“I’m incredibly humbled by the demand for Teremana at the global level and thrilled to deliver Teremana to consumers around the world,” the actor and former wrestler said.

“We are incredibly proud of what Teremana has achieved in North America in four years,” added Teremana CEO Richard Black.

The company announced last year that it was selling one million cases annually, making it the fastest premium spirits brand in the US to reach that figure.

That's largely down to the star power that The Rock commands. At present he has some 397 million followers on Instagram, a platform he regularly uses to promote Teremana, the Drinks Business reports.

Michael Volke, CEO and chairman of the executive board at Mast-Jägermeister, said of the expansion plans: “We are incredibly excited to bring the Mana ethos to more people. We will serve the global expansion of Teremana Tequila through our exceptional global distribution capacity and brand-building experience.”

Johnson worked with a Mexican family-owned distillery in the Jalisco highlands to build a home on the grounds for Destilería Teremana de Agave. 

Teremana recently became a sponsor of Major League Baseball team the Texas Rangers. 



Thursday 28 March 2024

Australian wine industry delighted as China lifts crippling tariffs



Wine producers across Australia have welcomed China’s decision to remove crippling import duties from Australian bottled wine. 

Grape growers and winemakers were cheered by today’s final decision from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to remove import duties on Australian wine products with effect from March 29,  Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Lee McLean said.

“This is a very important decision for the Australian wine industry," McLean said. 

"It reflects the positive outcome of diplomatic efforts by the Albanese government to stabilise relations with China and underscores the importance of collaboration between government and industry.

“We acknowledge and thank Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and their respective departments for their steadfast support of Australian grape growers and winemakers throughout the process. 

"With their renowned reputation for quality and innovation, Australian wines offer Chinese consumers an unparalleled opportunity to explore new flavours and experiences. 

"The presence of Australian wines in China will complement the local wine industry, providing consumers with a broader selection of premium wine options.

“The Australian wine sector has made a long-term commitment to building the market for Australian wine in China, with many wine companies having developed close relationships with importers, buyers and consumers of Australian wine over many years. 

“We are working closely with the Australian Government and Wine Australia to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken to re-entry and that the sector is well positioned to re-establish trade relationships.

“We look forward to seeing Australian wines back on Chinese dining tables and rejuvenating our relationship with customers and business partners in that market. 

“We will also, however, be maintaining our focus on diversifying our export footprint and growing demand here in Australia as well.”

Producers were excited at the Chinese market re-opening.

“This decision is important and highlights the ongoing strengthening of Australia’s trading relationship with China, for the mutual benefit of both countries,” said Kirsty Balnaves of Balnaves Wines in Coonawarra and president of the South Australian Wine Industry Association.

“Significant trade exists between China and Australia, and the removal of import duties on wine will
result in South Australian wine businesses re-considering the China wine market and allocating wine
to the market.

“This will be based on several important factors, principally, a market risk assessment,
acknowledging the importance of market diversification.”

New South Wales Wine president Mark Bourne commented “China has historically been a valuable export market for NSW wine producers, with strong relationships formed over the years, and the opportunity to do business again comes at a time when the industry is facing several economic headwinds.”

Tariffs of between 107 and 212% were implemented in 2020. This followed multiple diplomatic disputes between Canberra and Beijing over human rights, national security and Covid-19.

The ministry accused Australian winemakers of dumping wine in the Chinese market at cheaper prices, forcing out competition from local vineyards. The move was devastating for many Australian producers.

"When we export our wine it’s good for our winemakers, and it’s good for the people buying it, because Australian wine is the best in the world," said flag-waving and over-excited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"It’s a huge industry that supports jobs and contributes to our national wealth, too."



Luxury resort operator enters the cruise business



Aman is a brand that is associated with exclusive high-end luxury resorts.

But the resort operator is getting ready to join the competitive cruising yacht market, Travel Mole reports.

Aman has started construction of its first luxury motor yacht for the Aman at Sea brand with a traditional steel cutting ceremony at the T.Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

As part of a joint venture with Cruise Saudi, Aman at Sea is set to launch in 2027.

The vessel will have 50 spacious suites with balconies and aims to replicate Aman’s hotels’ ethos of luxury hospitality at sea.

“We are partnering with T.Mariotti to bring to life our vision for Aman at Sea, providing a whole new category in on the water exploration,” said Vlad Doronin, CEO of Aman Group.

The new vessel will measure 183 metres and be the first dual-fuel powered new build, using marine diesel oil and methanol.

The cruise yacht will offer various dining options, a club and lounge, an Aman Spa with a Japanese garden, and two helipads.

The keel laying is expected to take place this northern summer and the vessel’s official name will be announced later.

Aman was founded by tourism innovator Adrian Zecha in 1988, but is now a Swiss-headquartered multinational that operates 34 properties in 20 countries. 

Mariotti is known for building ultra-luxury cruise ships and megayachts.   



Brewer underlines its environmental credentials


Being eco-friendly is a key driver of sales and Melbourne-based independent Bodriggy Brewing Co. has become the first Victorian brewery - and only the second in Australia - to gain carbon neutral accreditation for both its beers and brewery under the Federal Government’s Climate Active program.

It is a major milestone for the Abbotsford brewer when so many craft breweries are struggling in the current economic climate.

Co-founded in 2016 by the same team behind Collingwood bar Dr Morse, and specialty coffee shop Plug Nickel; Peter Walsh, Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels, and Jessica Morris started Bodriggy as their third joint business venture.

Bodriggy is now stocked nationally by Dan Murphy's, BWS and 500 Coles Liquor stores helping the business average a 20% increase in wholesale sales year-on-year since 2019.


 “We’re really proud to be recognised as the first Victorian, and second national, carbon neutral brewery across everything we do including; our production processes, administrational aspects and of course, our froths," says Walsh.

"Having started Bodriggy eight years ago, not only have we grown up, but our customers have, too.

"We’ve evolved as people with different personal values - ones which place importance on protecting the environment more - and we want to reflect that in all that Bodriggy does.”

Bodriggy built its brewery and brewpub with climate-conscious elements in mind, including; sourcing reclaimed materials for the build, installing solar panels, using serving tanks to minimise keg usage as well as using waste minimising methods in its kitchen.

See www.bodriggy.beer.

# For those playing at home, Capital Brewing in Canberra was the first carbon neutral producer in Australia. 

Wednesday 27 March 2024

Chocolates all round for Qantas passengers over Easter



It is one of those times of the year when experienced flyers opt to stay at home.

Flights are chock-a-block and airports are at capacity.

Qantas and Jetstar are gearing up for almost four million customers to travel across domestic and international networks on almost 36,000 flights throughout Easter and the four-week school holiday period.

More than 670,000 customers are expected to be travelling over the Easter long weekend alone on the two Qantas Group carriers, an increase of almost 10% on the 2023 Easter holidays.

Easter Thursday (that's tomorrow folks) is the single busiest day, with more than 150,000 customers travelling across the group.

Popular destinations for holidaymakers include Auckland, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo as well as Gold Coast, Hobart and Cairns.

A number of additional measures across the Qantas Group will be in place over the holidays including up to 15 Qantas and Jetstar aircraft on standby as "operational spares" providing an extra buffer in the event of disruptions.

The Group is also working with industry partners to have extra staff available including additional ground handlers on standby and airport security screeners, while Qantas Engineering has set up a dedicated maintenance teams to increase maintenance activity on its aircraft.

From Easter Friday until Easter Monday, customers travelling across the Qantas network can expect a number of Easter surprises including chocolates for customers at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane domestic airports.

On Jetstar, customers will be treated to bunny ear headbands and Easter colouring packs and pencils for travelling kids

Fingers crossed for all concerned.