Pernod Ricard says vintage must go on

Vintage is in full-swing across Australia and the wine industry is concerned about what coronavirus could mean for the sector.

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Wine industry figures say it is essential vintage can be completed across Australia following a growing season already impacted by drought and bushfires.

But with shutdowns from coronavirus ramping up quickly, there are concerns they could be extended to processing facilities like wineries. Another worry is whether liquor retailers will be able to continue trading.

Pernod Ricard Winemakers, the owner of Australian labels Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo, has introduced social distancing measures across its sites including limiting onsite movements, flexible working arrangements, separating teams, alternating breaks, as well as shift change and tasting protocols to minimise team member interactions.

Chairman and chief executive Bryan Fry said with winemakers only having one opportunity a year to produce wine, any decision that resulted in operations having to cease would result in the loss of a year’s worth of production.

Riverland Wine executive chairman Chris Byrne says measures have been put in place to protect against coronavirus. Picture MATT TURNER.

Mr Fry said the impact on jobs and exports would be catastrophic across the industry, particularly in regional communities.

“We completely understand and support more stringent health protections at this time – but the least governments can do is allow Australians to buy and enjoy a wine, beer or spirit with their families over dinner during such a difficult period,” he said.

Australian Grape and Wine chief executive Tony Battaglene said there were some questions about how state shutdowns would affect the industry, particularly truck drivers delivering grapes across borders.

“There’s some really grey areas at the moment,” he said.

“It’s concerning because we still have about 30 per cent of vintage still to go across Australia.

“Some regions haven’t even started yet, such as the Mornington and Yarra in Victoria.”

Mr Battaglene said growers and wineries were already grappling with a vintage that was estimated to be about 300,000 tonnes down on last year.

“ABARES has predicted a 1.4 million tonne vintage, Australia-wide, last year it was 1.73 million tonnes,” he said.

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“I’ve also heard recent forecasts that it could be even lower. In some premium regions tonnages are well-down, but quality is very good.”

Riverland Wine executive chairman Chris Byrne said with vintage about 80 per cent complete in the region, wineries were bringing in measures to protect against coronavirus, such as making sure when one shift finished work, those staff have left the premises before the incoming workers’ shift.

“The biggest worry at the moment is shifting product to market, so that the flow of revenue can continue on,” he said.