Technological and economic dynamics of the world wine industry: an introduction

Wine has become a serious growth industry in a number of New World and developing countries. As a product, wine has been around for many millennia, but is nonetheless changing fast in technological and economic terms. This paper introduces trends in wine output and trade, in the dynamics of knowledge creation and wine technology, and in industrial organisation. The paper argues not only that this industry offers major opportunities for new entrants (including developing countries) but also that it exemplifies a case of a traditional industry that has been technologically upgraded into a high-growth activity.