Gallo targets wine drinkers in Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe will be a key frontier for wine firms over the next few years, the head of E&J Gallo in Europe says.
 
Rising disposable incomes have changed attitudes to wine in Eastern Europe over the last five years, said George Marsden, general manager for E&J Gallo in Europe, at a press briefing on Wednesday.

“The single most exciting market  is Poland,” he said, adding that California-based Gallo had invested heavily in the country with its Carlo Rossi brand. A deal with native spirits group CEDC has expanded Gallo's distribution network.

Wine consumption in Poland is less than two litres per person, with beer and vodka still the preference of many.

Marsden told Drinks International that Gallo planned to “redouble our efforts” in the country, and would also look further east to countries such as Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine.
 
Gallo is also hopeful of securing a distribution deal in Russia by the end of 2008.