UK: Lighter bottles for Vina Concha y Toro Sunrise stable

Vina Concha y Toro has unveiled more environmentally friendly glass bottles for its Sunrise wine brand in the UK.

The Chilean wine producer said yesterday (14 September) that the Sunrise portfolio will be packaged in 'Eco Glass' lightweight bottles in the UK.

The new packaging will be on shelves in Waitrose supermarkets from next month, with the eco-message appearing on the capsule.

Earlier this year, the company set out a formal programme of initiatives to reduce the environmental impacts of its brands. The producer introduced the first stage of the 'sustainable development programme' in May by reducing the weight of its bottles across 20 brands, affecting around 68.4m bottles.

Concha y Toro also said that it is looking to roll out a range of other environmental initiatives - including geo-thermal and solar power technology, waste reduction and energy conservation - throughout this year and next, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of both the company and its products.

Sunrise Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and Sunrise Merlot 2008 are both available in Waitrose, priced at GBP5.99(US$9.87).

Last month, Concha y Toro posted a lift in first-half sales but declining operating profits for the period, as consumers in key markets traded down to cheaper wines.