Australian vintners court Indian firms

Leading wine producers in Australia -- one of the largest exporters of wines in the world with annual revenues of over A$ 2.5 billion (Rs 10,500 crore) -- are exploring strategic part- nerships and distribution ties with Indian liquor companies, reports Anupama Airy.

Leading wine producers in Australia -- one of the largest exporters of wines in the world with annual revenues of over A$ 2.5 billion (Rs 10,500 crore) -- are exploring strategic part- nerships and distribution ties with Indian liquor companies.

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“All major Australian com- panies including the top four -- Fosters, Constellation, Pernod Ricard and Cissalloâ are keen on forming joint ventures and distribution networks for their wine brands,“ said John Griffith, President of the Western Australian Wine Association.

“It is the high costs and over capacity that is driving the Australian wine majors to explore tie-ups.“

Griffith pointed out that if the Indian Government brings down tax barriers, it will be eas- ier for the Australian wine pro- ducers to strike deals with Indian companies. The total wine industry is worth about $5 billion and half of it is through exports, making the country the largest exporter of wine in the world. Griffith said Australian producers are mov- ing to other countries as labour costs have become very high.