The Argentinian wine industry is expected to grow by 30% this year due to a resurgence of small and medium-sized wineries, and increasing investment in the wine packaging industries.
Rayen Curá, one of the most important glass suppliers in the region, for example, will be investing US$25 million in a new production line, increasing output to 70m bottles per year.
‘We expected to grow 20% this year. We have many orders from exporting wineries these days,’ manager José Luis Suarez said.
Major investments are also planned in the cork and stopper industries. Natural cork manufacturer Juvenal Argentinas reported sales grew in the US$6 to US$10 sector during the second half of 2002, and 2003. The company now envisages steady growth in its production for the US$12 to US$25 sector. Exporting wineries represent 60% of Juvenal’s market share.
Ramondin, a screwcap supplier, is investing in three new production lines and new printing equipment, and intends to increase by 50%.
‘A new plant will also be built in June, which will double our production,’ company president Luis Da Souza said.
Written by Jaquelina Jimena
