But proof ­ for those that needed it ­ that wine is big business was presented to the market at the end of August, when stalwart Australian brewer Foster's announced that it had sold more wine than beer throughout the world during the past year. The company says it will invest heavily in its wine portfolio, making acquisitions in Europe to become a global player. Taking control of the Wolf Blass brand has been vindicated by figures that put its total wine sales at £700m compared with £627m for beer. John Shortt, md of Beringer Blass, Foster's wine division, says: "Foster's wine is a self-funding interest. Before, beer was the cash cow. Wine does gobble up money, but Foster's has created a great model for many other brewers." Beringer has made a number of bolt-on acquisitions, securing access to fruit from mature vines, and announced £1m support for Wolf Blass. The size of the UK team has swollen from a one-man band to 35 London staff. "Since January we have set up our own direct off-trade sales operation, plus finance and logistics. So we have a dedicated brand team for Europe based in the UK." President and chief executive Ted Kunkel indicates that wine could open other doors. "We now have the opportunity to pursue growth options across the group as a whole, as opposed to being primarily focused on building the wine business." {{FOCUS ON }}

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