The domino effect is picking up pace. Consolidation among the world’s large retailers and its influence on the spate of mergers and acquisitions in the drinks trade has been well documented. But news last week that Sabate, the world’s second largest cork producer and Diosos the world’s leading oak wine-barrel maker are to merge has taken the consolidation fever of the drinks trade to a new level.
Profile: Sabate merger start of latest trend in global wine consolidation
The announcement last week that the world's second largest cork producer is to buy the world's leading barrel producer could provide the blueprint for the future of the wine world's supply industry. Chris Brook-Carter speaks to company president Marc Sabate about globalisation and the future of synthetics.