World Wine Trade Group Industry Statement on APEC

Recognising the importance of the APEC region in the production and consumption of wine;

Recognising that the APEC principles of voluntarism, comprehensiveness, consensus-based decision-making, flexibility, transparency, and open regionalism are consistent with the objectives of the (WWTG) and noting the role that APEC plays in industry development and trade facilitation;

Remembering that APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade met in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in May 2002 to discuss concrete ways to foster economic growth and supporting the role that pathfinder initiatives could play in achieving the Bogor goals of free and open trade and investment; and,

Noting the potential of the wine industry in the region for progressing regional economic development and facilitating trade in wine;

The industry group recommends that APEC members of the WWTG jointly present a pathfinder initiative that embodies the concepts in the Mutual Acceptance Agreement on Oenological Practices to the APEC Ministerial and Leaders' Meetings in October this year.

World Wine Trade Group Industry Statement on EU Labeling 753/02

Considering that national labeling regulations, including those requirements governing use of variety, vintage, geographical indication, production terms, and bottle shapes may act as restrictions on trade; and

Considering that labeling is subject to the provisions of the WTO agreements, particularly the TRIPS and TBT agreements; and

Considering that the World Wine Trade Group cooperated to successfully resist the implementation of EU Regulation 881/98 on traditional terms; and

Noting that European Regulation 753/02 appears to contain many elements of 881/98 on traditional terms as well as new provisions in clear contravention of the WTO agreements; and

Noting that Regulation 753/02 is an unnecessary and major restriction on trade to the EU;

The Industry Section of the World Wine Trade Group strongly urges the member governments of the WWTG to work together in all available fora, such as the TBT Committee, to prevent the implementation of the Regulation in its current form.

World Wine Trade Group Industry Statement on Sustainable Winegrowing Practices

Whereas the wine industry's consumers and customers are increasingly interested in the ways in which and circumstances in which wines are being produced; and,

Whereas there is increasing pressure on natural resources; and,

Whereas the industry desires to maintain positive relations with its neighbors, communities and consumers; and,

Whereas the Industry Section of the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG) acknowledges the existence of codes such as the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices, the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand practices and the South Africa Integrated Production of Wine Program (IPW);

Therefore, we encourage the members of the Industry Section of the WWTG to consider the development of a voluntary code of sustainable winegrowing practices in their respective countries. We recommend and encourage the exchange of information to foster the advancement of such practices.

World Wine Trade Group Industry Internal Statement on Labeling

Recognising that the diversity of labeling requirements may create impediments to the
international trade in wine;

In this context the industry group of the World Wine Trade Group agreed in Toronto to discuss and consider the use of varietal, geographic and other descriptive terms and rules of trade dress, with a view to eliminating practices that constitute technical barriers to trade between members of the group and with other countries.

The industry group has identified possible impediments created by differing rules relation to:

• Percentage requirements for vintage, varietal and geographical indication labeling;
• The use of multiple vintages, varieties and geographical indications; and
• The use of descriptive terms

The industry group has established a labeling working group to investigate these issues.

The working group will be chaired by Phillip Gregan and consist of Bob Kalik, Willie De Klerk, Bill Ross, Tony Battaglene and delegates from Argentina and Chile.

This working group will review other labeling issues of interest as required.

Back to Top