Probably, the word “reconstruction” has been one of the most used since a couple months ago. This is due the earthquake on February 27th struck with such force the south-central Chile that no one remained indifferent; all Chilean people, in one way or another, felt the impact of the 8.8 degrees Richter earth shake.
The wine industry was not the exception. With losses estimated at 125 million litres and USD 250 million - according to Wines of Chile - was one of the most damaged industries. Not only in terms of money, but in infrastructural damage, what made to expect a pronounced decrease in wineries capacity for this year’s harvesting. Fortunately, while industry operated at half speed during March, the wineries were able to recover quickly and return to their regular activities during April.
According to Francisco Ascui, Cono Sur Winery’s Export Director for United Kingdom and North America, this quick recovery is due, mainly, to the solidarity and understanding of the clients: “We received hundreds of e-mails from distributors and costumers around the world, letting us know their concern, solidarity, and support. In practical terms, they also were very sympathetic to possible delays in certain shippings - which is already 100% solved -, increased the demand of our wines, and also improved the sales mix,” he says.
Despite the previous complications, the harvest this year started on time and with no inconvenient and, although is expected to be less productive in terms of liters than last year, there wont be a decrease in the stock. In addition, the 2009 harvest allowed us to cover part of the losses that occurred with the earthquake. According to Ascui, “it is very likely that, in the forthcoming months, our sales keep rising, given that the disaster has sensitized the world and Chile has taken even more importance,” he adds.
According to some of the most important businessmen of the wine industry, the earthquake made us to learn. We live in a seismic country and therefore it is necessary to build the wine cellars and wine making plants with an earthquake-proof architecture, capable of withstanding a new shake of such proportions.
