The crisis in September 2008 had large consequences for the wine sector. Lack of investment and financing, political conflicts and personalities marked this year. However, not all bad news, Argentine wines were relevant by their good price – quality relation.
Here, the most relevant of the year:
Reduced harvest and lack of stock The lack of red wine, over the reduced harvest, forced Argentina's top wineries to buy wine in Chile to support obligations committed abroad. At first there was talk that these companies would import 30,000,000 litres. Those who bought were RPB Penaflor and Fecovita. The price of wine in Mendoza was around 45 dolar cents per litre.
Growth of exports
Total exports of wine, between the months of January and October in value, increased 3.6% over the previous year, as increased from USD 618 million to USD 640 million. The international crisis ended up benefiting the Argentine wines abroad, especially in markets like the U.S. where the "trade down" was a major influencing factors for Argentinean wines that offer excellent price – quality relation.
Falling commodity prices
2009 was negative for commodities and the must experienced a very sharp fall. Industry experts claim that "hopefully will be completed by placing approximately 110,000 tons of grapes, a figure that does not even reach 60% of what was exported last year (2008). The main problem is the replacement of the must for apple juice concentrate from China, which practically has the same properties as the grape juice concentrate, with most competitive prices. For bulk wine, the Russian market crash was one of the main problems. Average prices fell and there is no solution in sight.
Good international scores
Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine & Spirits, The New York Times and other major international publications, recognized Argentine wines throughout the year with scores as high as those of the best wines in the world. Argentina has raised the international press and recognized as excellent producers of varietal wines.
Malbec from elsewhere in the world
There is strong competition. Other countries worldwide are experimenting with this strain and looking for market positioning. Some Argentine winemakers are worried and are demanding more clonal research to improve the quality of Malbec from Argentina.
Recently, a competition held in Cahors, about the best Malbec in the world, where Argentina won few medals.
Conflict with Brazil
On October 15, the secretariat of Foreign Trade of Brazil began to prevent access charges importers who asked for his license after the 14th of that month. The news fell heavily on the wine industry, because 30% of total exports to Brazil are fairly specific, in the fourth quarter. Although COVIAR tried to improve the relations, so far, the conflict at international level is almost zero.
Formation of the Sociedad Argentina de Profesionales del Vino
Since early 2009, was created the Sociedad Argentina de Profesionales del Vino. With more than 120 members, the organization gathers professionals and industry executives, fostering an environment that improves their skills and broaden their opportunities for competitive development.
Among the most prominent meetings for industry, in February made the third edition of the Argentina Wine Awards and in September, the fifth International Forum Wine.
Lack of funding
2009 continued the issue of funding and lack of investment due to unexpected international crisis. The only sources of funding came from own resources. This led to a lengthening chain of payments, a delay in VAT refunds.
Explosion of social networks
Social networking and online marketing are the "boom" nowadays. Wineries worldwide flagship observed this phenomenon and now have their own space on Facebook, where they develop their image and brand. According to Nielsen study, relations of the global population that is connected to Facebook, MySpace, Copains Davant, Twitter, Linkedin, Tuenti and others, reached in February 2009 to 68%. In the U.S., the figure adds an incredible 67%.
Death of Don Raúl De la Mota, In October 2009.
In 2005 he was declared the best winemaker of the twentieth century in Argentina by the World Association of Journalists and Writers of Wines and Spirits, based in Bordeaux. His work was reflected in the wines from renowned wineries, including Orfila, Flichman, Arizu, Cavas de Weinert and Cruz de Piedra. Some of the wines in their cellar staff will be auctioned online in February 2010.
Falling commodity prices
Conflict with Brazil
Explosion of social networks