News

The Australian process for ratification of the Australia-UK FTA is now underway with the initiation of an inquiry into and report on the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.  This is part of the normal ratification process of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and once completed …

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022, Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity Equality & Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) Committee commissioned a short video montage …

With 2021 behind us, it would be nice to think we could go into 2022 with some optimism, but the new year comes with a new set of challenges. Closure of the China market, freight shortages and a record 2.1million tonne 2021 vintage have converged to create a concerning supply demand imbalance. Many wine producers …

A further challenge for the sector currently concerns energy labelling. In response to a request from food ministers, FSANZ has been exploring energy labelling of alcoholic beverages. In June 2021, FSANZ completed an evidence assessment, including a literature review on consumer value, understanding and behaviour relating to energy labelling of alcoholic beverages, which concluded that labelling is …

Many of you will have heard about the United Kingdom’s (UK) review of alcohol taxation. When launching the review, the UK Government set out three objectives that reform should address: a) Simplifying the current system; b) Making the basis of alcohol taxation more economically rational, with fewer distortions and arbitrary distinctions; and c) Reducing the …

As foreshadowed in the December update, the opposing party (Prosecco Consortium) has filed its appeal to the Appellate Division of the Singapore High Court against its decision in our favour. This is the highest and final appeals process available in Singapore under the GI provisions. It will involve filing of evidence, case for the appeal, …

New requirements for Registration of Overseas Producers of Imported Foods As noted in previous updates, China has implemented its new requirements for ‘Registration of Overseas Producers of Imported Foods’ at the end of 2021, requiring wine producers to self-register online with General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) for any products being exported. While there …

United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement On 17 December 2021 Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) signed the Australia – United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. It is a landmark agreement, and one of the first to be finalised with the UK since Brexit. For wine, the FTA will see the elimination of import tariffs on entry …

The ABAC Management Committee will soon be undertaking a review of the ABAC Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code standards and coverage.  Periodic reviews are undertaken to ensure the Code continues to meet objectives as the alcohol, media and advertising industries and community expectations evolve and to ensure its terms are simple, practical, and clear. Consultation will …

Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Tim Wilson says from 12 January 2022, small and medium food and beverage manufacturers can apply for a grant of up to $25,000 each to save money on energy bills, improve energy efficiency and adopt new energy technologies under the latest $19.9 million round …