Plans to rip out 400,000 hectares of vines to drain the EU's
bulging 'wine lake' will be watered down to put greater emphasis on
marketing wines abroad, Commission officials have confirmed.
The French government has launched a multi-million euro rescue plan
for France's ailing wine industry, including €12m export support
and an overhaul of the quality control system.
French prime minister Dominique de Villepin said the plan would
help to dig France out of wine crisis, yet under-pressure
winemakers are planning more protests.
The death of France's Galland law has been highlighted as a new
opportunity for branded brewers to fight back against private
labels and poor growth through better deals with retailers.
French food and drink giant, Groupe Danone, has acknowledged US
PepsiCo's denial of takeover plans, as the French government
threatens to do everything in its power to stop such a bid from
ever taking place, writes Claire Johnston.
Chinese consumption is a major factor behind potential steel price
increases in Europe, something that could hit food and beverage
packagers globally, writes Anthony Fletcher.