A world expert in manufacturing and innovation has slammed the Australian wine industry, labelling it as ‘lazy’, and claims it is one of many industries at risk from global competition.
Professor Goran Roos stated that the industry was at risk because the wine sector had failed to keep up the pace of reforms and growth it had set during the 1990’s.
Studies have shown that China and India were the mostly likely sources of competition, as 27% of Chinese and Indian firms are better managed than their Australian counterparts.
The two nations are also improving the industry by flying in expert farmers and vignerons to further develop their wine sectors.
Chief Executive of Winemakers’ Federation of Australia Stephen Strachan has labelled Professor Roos’ statement as ‘naïve’, yet admitted that the industry did engage in overplanting in the 90’s, which has led to a drop in demand.