LINDEMANS EXPORTING NON-AUSSIE WINE

Australian grape growers are apparently a little ticked that Foster’s Group has expanded its formerly exclusive Australian Lindemans label to include Chilean and South African wines for export to the U.S. and Europe. The Southern Australia Farmers Federation’s Barossa Grapegrowers Council (it’s a mouthful) told The Advertiser it was “appalled” by the new “Country of Origin” range, which they consider damaging to the already struggling wine industry in South Australia. For the first time in 15 years Australian wine exports have decreased 0.6% in value while at the same time growing 7% in volume.

"We see this move as a large company using a highly-rated and recognized Australian brand with a reputation for quality and integrity and basically raping that reputation," said spokeswoman Chris Canute.

"(They are) using it for short-term and small profit gain, having no regard for its effect on the heart and soul of our industry. "

Foster’s Group defends the new range, saying research shows that Europeans and Americans do not necessarily perceive Lindemans as a strictly Australia brand. The company believes the move will introduce more consumers to the Lindemans label, which will benefit the core Australian line, according to Lindemans global brand director Oliver Horn.

“In fact, for this current financial year we expect 80% of our growth will come from our core Australian range,” he said.