Australia: Organic wine at WineTech

The Australian wine industry has its first opportunity to learn about organic wine production at the industry’s major triennial event, WineTech in Adelaide. Organic representative group Biological Farmers of Australia will join biological farm input manufacturers to highlight the quality potential of organic wines. BFA General Manager Holly Vyner says that contrary to popular belief of several years ago, Australian organic and biodynamic wines are proving they can surpass the quality of their conventionally produced counterparts. “The stand will showcase an impressive and rapidly increasing number of Australian award-winning organic and biodynamic bottles and catalogue of a sample 100 awards won by quality organic winegrowers over the past year. “Assisting with this recognition are some highly acclaimed wine critics including Max Allen, who has a website dedicated to educating consumers about the environmental benefits and quality potential of biodynamic wines.”
 
Research has also shown that over the past two years consumers have become more willing to pay a premium for environmentally-friendly and organic wines. A 2009 study by Dr Herveì Remaud and Dr Simone Mueller of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science found that wine consumers are placing higher importance on sustainability and health, and becoming more "eco-friendly" when purchasing wine, BFA reports. “Clearly there is room for further growth of the segment valuing the organic claim, as well as opportunities for the eco-friendly segment to start valuing organic wines (in addition to the environmental claim),” Dr Remaud said. WineTech has begun today. Organic information on-hand at the event includes vineyard management, organic certification, award-winning wines, market information and organic magazines and resources. Organic Crop Protectants will be alongside BFA providing information on pest and disease solutions registered suitable for use in certified organic operations. Seasol, a BFA-registered seaweed fertiliser producer popular for use in vineyards, will also have a prominent stand at the event. 
 

BFA