News
ITALY : 2014 HARVESTSIn 2014, several Northern and particularly Southern vineyards have been penalized in volume whereas the situation is better in central Italy. According to UIV and ISMEA estimations, wine production will be around 41 million hectoliters which represents a reduction of 15% compared to last year’s 48.2 million hectoliters. 2013 was particularly abundant with production increased by 8% compared to the average over the last five years. The 2014 harvest is therefore reduced by 15%, 8% in Piedmont and 17% in Veneto. The situation is even worse in Southern Italy with Sicily down by 27% and Puglia 25%. On the other hand, production in the central wine producing regions has increased by 3% in Tuscany, 10% in Umbria and 7% in Marche. This is the direct result of unstable weather and very unusual conditions this year. |
FRANCE : 2014 HARVESTThe 2014 grape harvests are now fully underway in the middle of September. After 2 years of low yield harvests due to fluctuating weather conditions (violent thunderstorms, a cold and wet spring), weather conditions have been more favorable in 2014. A harvest considered as average in quantity and good for quality. The Ministry of Agriculture and the French wine-making sector have forecast a 2014 harvest of 45.4 million hectoliters, an increase of 7% compared to 2013 (42.3 million hectoliters) and close to the average over the last five years (45.6 million hectoliters over the period 2009-2013). |
2M : Maersk and MSC cooperationMaersk and MSC have filed their intended Vessel Sharing Agreement – 2M - with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Unless the FMC has questions or objections, as from October 11th, the two carriers can go ahead with their collaboration. |