“Organic producers have at hand the latest technology to raise quality standards”

He is in the production and marketing of premium organic grapes and wines. Gustavo Caligiore is the owner and winemaker of Caligiore, a winery that produces 80,000 bottles a year. He owns 51 acres of certified vineyards planted with Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. 20% of the production is allocated to the domestic market and the rest to international markets of which the main destinations are United States, Canada, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany and Brazil.

How does the consumption of organic wines behave in the domestic and international market?

Approximately, the consumption of organic wines represents 1% and 2% of global consumption. It is still a market niche. Some countries boast greater development and maturity, especially those from the European bloc, with low annual growth rates of 2% to 3%. Up to 2011, United Sates as well as Canada registered a dynamic growth in the consumption of organic wines. In the US, some sources speak of a 15% annual average growth between 2006 and 2011, reaching an amount of almost USD 200 million in sales.

In Argentina, organic wine captures a small portion of the market, mainly the gastronomic sector and some specialized stores that sell organic products.

In 2011, around 60% of exported wine from Argentina was sent to the European Union, while United States received 16%.

What is the situation of the production of organic wines in Argentina?

The participation of organic wine making in the Argentine viticulture remains steady. There are approximately 4,942 acres of certified vineyards which account for less than 1% of the total vineyard planted area.

Which is the most competitive price range for organic wines abroad?

Consumption is higher in the premium-to-super-premium range. However, many wineries are making icon wines under sustainable standards.

Is this trend reflected in the choice of the consumer at the moment of buying?

On the one hand, consumers are becoming more aware of the protection of the environment and natural resources, making themselves responsible through their purchasing power of encouraging sustainable practices for the production of goods and services in general.

On the other hand, organic producers have to hand the latest technology that allows them to raise quality standards at the same level as any other producer in the market.

Therefore, consumers have, nowadays, a top quality offer of organic products, at a very competitive price that draws them to buy sustainable products.

Translation: Rocío Acosta

Tweet

Send to a friend
From name
From email
To name
To email
Message

Tags: Caligiore, Gustavo Caligiore, Opinion, organic