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Thursday 28 March 2024

Australian wine industry delighted as China lifts crippling tariffs



Wine producers across Australia have welcomed China’s decision to remove crippling import duties from Australian bottled wine. 

Grape growers and winemakers were cheered by today’s final decision from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to remove import duties on Australian wine products with effect from March 29,  Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Lee McLean said.

“This is a very important decision for the Australian wine industry," McLean said. 

"It reflects the positive outcome of diplomatic efforts by the Albanese government to stabilise relations with China and underscores the importance of collaboration between government and industry.

“We acknowledge and thank Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and their respective departments for their steadfast support of Australian grape growers and winemakers throughout the process. 

"With their renowned reputation for quality and innovation, Australian wines offer Chinese consumers an unparalleled opportunity to explore new flavours and experiences. 

"The presence of Australian wines in China will complement the local wine industry, providing consumers with a broader selection of premium wine options.

“The Australian wine sector has made a long-term commitment to building the market for Australian wine in China, with many wine companies having developed close relationships with importers, buyers and consumers of Australian wine over many years. 

“We are working closely with the Australian Government and Wine Australia to ensure a co-ordinated approach is taken to re-entry and that the sector is well positioned to re-establish trade relationships.

“We look forward to seeing Australian wines back on Chinese dining tables and rejuvenating our relationship with customers and business partners in that market. 

“We will also, however, be maintaining our focus on diversifying our export footprint and growing demand here in Australia as well.”

Producers were excited at the Chinese market re-opening.

“This decision is important and highlights the ongoing strengthening of Australia’s trading relationship with China, for the mutual benefit of both countries,” said Kirsty Balnaves of Balnaves Wines in Coonawarra and president of the South Australian Wine Industry Association.

“Significant trade exists between China and Australia, and the removal of import duties on wine will
result in South Australian wine businesses re-considering the China wine market and allocating wine
to the market.

“This will be based on several important factors, principally, a market risk assessment,
acknowledging the importance of market diversification.”

New South Wales Wine president Mark Bourne commented “China has historically been a valuable export market for NSW wine producers, with strong relationships formed over the years, and the opportunity to do business again comes at a time when the industry is facing several economic headwinds.”

Tariffs of between 107 and 212% were implemented in 2020. This followed multiple diplomatic disputes between Canberra and Beijing over human rights, national security and Covid-19.

The ministry accused Australian winemakers of dumping wine in the Chinese market at cheaper prices, forcing out competition from local vineyards. The move was devastating for many Australian producers.

"When we export our wine it’s good for our winemakers, and it’s good for the people buying it, because Australian wine is the best in the world," said flag-waving and over-excited Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"It’s a huge industry that supports jobs and contributes to our national wealth, too."



Luxury resort operator enters the cruise business



Aman is a brand that is associated with exclusive high-end luxury resorts.

But the resort operator is getting ready to join the competitive cruising yacht market, Travel Mole reports.

Aman has started construction of its first luxury motor yacht for the Aman at Sea brand with a traditional steel cutting ceremony at the T.Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

As part of a joint venture with Cruise Saudi, Aman at Sea is set to launch in 2027.

The vessel will have 50 spacious suites with balconies and aims to replicate Aman’s hotels’ ethos of luxury hospitality at sea.

“We are partnering with T.Mariotti to bring to life our vision for Aman at Sea, providing a whole new category in on the water exploration,” said Vlad Doronin, CEO of Aman Group.

The new vessel will measure 183 metres and be the first dual-fuel powered new build, using marine diesel oil and methanol.

The cruise yacht will offer various dining options, a club and lounge, an Aman Spa with a Japanese garden, and two helipads.

The keel laying is expected to take place this northern summer and the vessel’s official name will be announced later.

Aman was founded by tourism innovator Adrian Zecha in 1988, but is now a Swiss-headquartered multinational that operates 34 properties in 20 countries. 

Mariotti is known for building ultra-luxury cruise ships and megayachts.   



Brewer underlines its environmental credentials


Being eco-friendly is a key driver of sales and Melbourne-based independent Bodriggy Brewing Co. has become the first Victorian brewery - and only the second in Australia - to gain carbon neutral accreditation for both its beers and brewery under the Federal Government’s Climate Active program.

It is a major milestone for the Abbotsford brewer when so many craft breweries are struggling in the current economic climate.

Co-founded in 2016 by the same team behind Collingwood bar Dr Morse, and specialty coffee shop Plug Nickel; Peter Walsh, Jon Costello, Anthony Daniels, and Jessica Morris started Bodriggy as their third joint business venture.

Bodriggy is now stocked nationally by Dan Murphy's, BWS and 500 Coles Liquor stores helping the business average a 20% increase in wholesale sales year-on-year since 2019.


 “We’re really proud to be recognised as the first Victorian, and second national, carbon neutral brewery across everything we do including; our production processes, administrational aspects and of course, our froths," says Walsh.

"Having started Bodriggy eight years ago, not only have we grown up, but our customers have, too.

"We’ve evolved as people with different personal values - ones which place importance on protecting the environment more - and we want to reflect that in all that Bodriggy does.”

Bodriggy built its brewery and brewpub with climate-conscious elements in mind, including; sourcing reclaimed materials for the build, installing solar panels, using serving tanks to minimise keg usage as well as using waste minimising methods in its kitchen.

See www.bodriggy.beer.

# For those playing at home, Capital Brewing in Canberra was the first carbon neutral producer in Australia. 

Wednesday 27 March 2024

Chocolates all round for Qantas passengers over Easter



It is one of those times of the year when experienced flyers opt to stay at home.

Flights are chock-a-block and airports are at capacity.

Qantas and Jetstar are gearing up for almost four million customers to travel across domestic and international networks on almost 36,000 flights throughout Easter and the four-week school holiday period.

More than 670,000 customers are expected to be travelling over the Easter long weekend alone on the two Qantas Group carriers, an increase of almost 10% on the 2023 Easter holidays.

Easter Thursday (that's tomorrow folks) is the single busiest day, with more than 150,000 customers travelling across the group.

Popular destinations for holidaymakers include Auckland, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo as well as Gold Coast, Hobart and Cairns.

A number of additional measures across the Qantas Group will be in place over the holidays including up to 15 Qantas and Jetstar aircraft on standby as "operational spares" providing an extra buffer in the event of disruptions.

The Group is also working with industry partners to have extra staff available including additional ground handlers on standby and airport security screeners, while Qantas Engineering has set up a dedicated maintenance teams to increase maintenance activity on its aircraft.

From Easter Friday until Easter Monday, customers travelling across the Qantas network can expect a number of Easter surprises including chocolates for customers at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane domestic airports.

On Jetstar, customers will be treated to bunny ear headbands and Easter colouring packs and pencils for travelling kids

Fingers crossed for all concerned.

How to enjoy an authentic Bali experience on a budget



Finding a locally owned and operated place to stay can be one of the keys to an authentic - and affordable - stay in Bali.

If you want to avoid noisy bars and night clubs stay away from international chain hotels and destinations like Nusa Dua, Kuta and Canggu, and opt instead for a quieter resort area. Like Sanur.

Fellow travel writer Christine Retschlag recommended Bumi Ayu Bungalows to me for a recent two-night stay - and it proved a delightful choice, tucked away down a quiet laneway but just a short stroll to the main street, and a slightly longer walk to the beach.

There are several local eateries and massage options within five minutes of your accommodation, but there are hardly any annoying touts and the vibe is totally chilled.
 


Sit by the pool and order some satay sticks (above) and fresh juice and enjoy Bali as it used to be.

Bumi Ayu Bungalows has been operating for over 20 years and offers a variety of accommodation - from poolside villas to hotel rooms.

There's an excellent pool, with a jacuzzi, wifi, a library and on on-site eatery that serves excellent breakfasts (both tradtitional and western).

My bungalow was older style, but very comfortable with a large bed, air con, fridge, bathroom with amenities and a lovely deck with garden views. I paid around $50 a night - which is ridiculously good value.



The property is very well maintained, and the staff are charming. The front desk can arrange tours and transfers around the island. 

Within a five-minute stroll of the Bumi Ayu Bungalows are several warungs offering cheap eats - Lilla Waring was excellent - as well as a Japanese restaurant and steakhouse.

You can walk along the beach via a laneway from the Griya Santrian hotel.

So what, exactly, is Sanur like? 

As the coastal area closest to the capital, Denpasar, Sanur predates Kuta, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu as the oldest destination for beach tourism in Bali.

The waters of Sanur are protected by a string of offshore reefs, creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are clear and excellent for swimming and water sports. 

Accommodation prices drop dramatically if you are willing to stay a few blocks away from the water.

Sanur has a quiet and relaxed feel to it and tends to appeal most to middle-aged and older groups. If you want to party you've definitely come to the wrong place.

Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street in Sanur, has a number of outlets for car, motorbike and bicycle rental - and also hosts a night market.


Sanur is a 20-minute taxi ride from the Ngurah Rai International Airport - unless it is raining - and around 30 minutes driving time from Kuta or Legian. Your taxi driver might not be familiar with it, so take a map with you. 

Bumi Ayu Bungalows designed in Balinese style and surrounded by lush tropical gardens tucked well back from the road. 

Search the internet for deals (the prices on the website are inflated) and see https://www.bumiayubungalows.com/ for property details.

Qantas flies Sydney-Denpasar with daily direct flights operated on an Airbus A330 aircraft, fares start from $414 one way. Melbourne-Denpasar direct flights operate five times per week using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Fares start from $415 one way. See qantas.com


Wine menu prices reflect greed, says leading restaurateur

It is not just in Australia that restaurants are under fire for the massive mark-ups of their wine prices. 

“[Some] restaurants charge crazy prices for wines” says one leading French restaurateur, responding to similar criticism.

Parisian restaurant operator Franck Astruc has weighed in on behalf of consumers, the Vitisphere website reported.

Astruc operates the Café des Ternes brasserie, the Café des Beaux-Arts in central Paris, and the Bistrot Faubourg in La Défense.

"When you buy wines for your restaurant and you see the prices displayed by others, you quickly see that it no longer makes any sense," Astruc says. 

"The vast majority of restaurants charge crazy prices for wines, which consumers cannot afford. 

"It is understandable to put a coefficient of 3 on the price of a bottle purchased below €40, but it is not possible above €50. Doubling the price with VAT included is acceptable, it allows a good margin. 

"But let's not go too far. And the accountants can say whatever they want so that I put in more, with this margin we are already making money. But we don't kill customers. Without going below the price of wine merchants."

Many restaurants see wine as a way of making up for losses they make on food. 

"By buying at €100 and selling at €200 we make money even though we have done nothing," says Astruc. 

"We opened and put a bottle on the table with glasses. We didn't get in the tractor to move the earth, we didn't face hail, we didn't have the problems with the vines.. 

"Of course Burgundy wines have increased their prices a lot. 

"Yes it’s expensive, but the winegrowers do 100% of the work. If they put in a 10% increase, we pass it on, so let's not complain too much and think about reducing our margins. 

"The winegrowers sell us at €100 a bottle, but some restaurants put it at €400. They are the ones who are killing the business. We have to look at the long term. 

"My customers buy more wine and send other customers as we are reasonable on prices. I prefer to have a margin that gains sales, rather than a coefficient that leads to a reduction of consumption.

"Restaurants are not obliged to sell wines at stratospheric prices. With an affordable price, the consumer will not buy one bottle, but two."

Image: Daniel Rivera, Scop.io