http://www.apcor.pt/rss-en.php The association of Portuguese cork was established to promote the whole area of cork. Cork is a natural and biodegradable product that can be used in many situations the most common is the cork, but there are others such as paving, building materials, clothing and other ... Subscribe to our feed and access all the news from the sector. en-US http://www.apcor.pt/imagens/logo_apcor.jpg http://www.apcor.pt/ 144 81 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/4mRZA64zH2E/new-international-guidelines-encourage-wineries-to-take-cork-forests-into-consideration-when-calculating-carbon-footprint.htm Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100 NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Winemakers who want to lighten their carbon footprint have yet another reason to seal their wine with natural cork, 100% Cork announced today.   The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is now encouraging wineries to consider the carbon offset value of cork forests when calculating the Greenhouse Gas Score of cork closures. The OIV recently announced the new protocol, once again making carbon sequestration a relevant environmental issue that continues to distinguish natural cork from artificial stoppers. "Cork closures (have)...an important impact in the sustainable conservation of forest," the General Assembly of the OIV wrote in its resolution. "Because of this important role, carbon balance of corks may be taken into account when applying the Product Protocol." OIV's new International Guidelines mean wineries should take the 6.6 million acres of cork oak forests in the Mediterranean Basin into consideration when aspiring to reduce their carbon footprint. "When accounting the GHG emissions related to natural cork closures, the cork production system should be considered from a holistic approach. The final figures of the GHG emissions due to the cork production should consider the managed forest it comes from and its carbon sink effect," according to the OIV resolution.
Cork Closures Produce Net Reduction in CO2 emissions Throughout its life cycle, natural cork creates a net decrease in CO2 emissions, whereas synthetic and aluminum stoppers are net contributors to CO2 pollution, according to the peer-reviewed comparative Life Cycle Assessment conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers/Ecobilan. A CO2 calculator at http://www.corkqc.com/CO2 can be used to calculate the carbon footprint of closure types and convert them into auto mileage. For example, using natural cork on 5,000 cases of wine reduces approximately 7.4 tons of CO2 -- the equivalent of eliminating about four average car trips from Anchorage to Miami. By contrast, using metal screw-caps or synthetic stoppers on 5,000 cases increases CO2 emissions by 2.5 tons and 1 ton, respectively, according to the calculator. If U.S. wineries switched all of their synthetic closures alone to natural cork, there would be a savings of approximately 7,000 tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of nearly 12 million miles of automobile travel. The cork oak forests offset the carbon dioxide emissions from 2.5 million vehicles every year, prevent desertification, provide habitat for 25,000 plant and animal species and sustain generations of family farmers. The forests are found in portions of North Africa, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, which is the world's largest cork producer. OIV's full report can be viewed here.   About OIV The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (L'Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin) is an intergovernmental organization made up of 45 member states. The Paris-based organization focuses on the scientific and technical aspects of vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products.
About 100% Cork 100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the environmental, technical and societal advantages benefits of choosing wine with natural cork. The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council. More information is available at www.100percentcork.org and http://www.facebook.com/100PercentCork SOURCE 100PercentCork.org RELATED LINKS http://www.100percentcork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/new-international-guidelines-encourage-wineries-to-take-cork-forests-into-consideration-when-calculating-carbon-footprint.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/JlcwkyeJ1Ac/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-usa.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://realcork.org/campaign/100percentcork
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-usa.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/GeL7qjWxS2Y/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-germany.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://realcork.org/campaign/natuerlichkork.htm
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-germany.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/rmrMynr3v50/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-france.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://realcork.org/campaign/planeteliege.htm
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-france.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/6x09TPTB4j0/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-germany-building-decoration.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://realcork.org/campaign/schoener-leben-mit-kork.htm
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-germany-building-decoration.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/NRJaRfV1EBg/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-china.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100 http://realcork.org/campaign/mygreencork.htm
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/promotion-of-cork-in-the-timeline-up-to-christmas-china.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/UVG1MR6HcOA/italians-are-willing-to-pay-more-for-a-cork-stopper-sealed-wine.htm Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200   Notes to the editor: THE CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF CORK - INTERCORK Launched in Italy and in 12 other countries in 2010, the Campaign in Support of Cork (INTERCORK) is promoted by APCOR (Portuguese Association of cork producers), Assoimballaggi/Federlegnoarredo and Rilegno together with Amorim Cork Italia, Colombin & Figlio, Sugherificio Ganau, Sugherificio Molinas, Mureddu Sugheri. The world’s cork production reaches 300 thousand tons per year and is concentrated in the Mediterranean area, and in particular in Portugal which produces 52,5% of the world’s total production. Spain produces 29,5%, Italy 5,5%, followed by Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and France. Italy is the third largest producer in the world, with 17 thousand tons of cork every year and manufacturing about half a billion of cork stoppers. The wine market, indeed, is the major “client” of the cork industry and absorbs 70% of its production. The campaign, which includes several activities addressed to consumers and trade, is supported by very prestigious partners such as Slow Food Editore, Gambero Rosso and WWF.   Cork  protects  Taste, Charm and the Environment - www.ilsughero.org More than 16.000 fans of the Facebook page: Io Sto Col Sughero   APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork. For more information, please contact: Laura Mazza, Antonella Nasini, Sara Smedile
Noesis
Milan - Italy
Tel. +39 02 831051.1
E-mail: cork@noesis.net
APCOR Communications Department
Tel. 227 474 040
Tel. 918 101 882
E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt
www.realcork.org

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/italians-are-willing-to-pay-more-for-a-cork-stopper-sealed-wine.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/X4Rj0uMcDhM/in-the-heart-of-cork.htm Tue, 5 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200 Au coeur du bouchon de liège : Episode 1, la... par Miss_GlouGlou Episode 2 - The treatment of cork
Au coeur du bouchon de liège : Episode 2, le... par Miss_GlouGlou Episode 3 - Agglomerated cork stoppers
Au coeur du bouchon de liège : Episode 3, le... por Miss_GlouGlou Episode 4 - Packing and marking
Au coeur du bouchon de liège : Episode 4, le... por Miss_GlouGlou
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/in-the-heart-of-cork.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/NCET-KxxATo/Rap-Video-about-the-benefits-of-Cork.htm Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 Sniff the Cork, the video may have been overlooked by the Academy Awards, Golden Globe® Awards and GRAMMY Awards® because it was never featured in a movie, TV program or on the airwaves.  "I had such a great speech prepared," lamented a despondent Lockwood. "How was I supposed to know the video had to be seen or heard to have been considered for an Oscar, GRAMMY or Golden Globe?"  However, in keeping with their commitment to improving their sustainability initiatives, the 53rd GRAMMY Awards® hosted two events this month that served wine sealed exclusively with natural cork and recycled all of the closures. And though the rhythmically challenged Lockwood will never be mistaken for a real rapper or a real sommelier, his messages about natural cork wine stoppers are entirely real. Natural cork is one of the world's most sustainable products. Biodegradable and recyclable, cork provides an economic incentive to preserve vast cork oak forests that trap greenhouse gases, prevent desertification and provide habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species.  Aluminum screw-caps and plastic stoppers, not so much. There is no shortage of cork, and cork oaks are not cut down to make cork. A portion of their bark is removed every nine years during a tree's 250-year lifespan. You can learn more about the remarkable story of natural cork at the 100% Cork website, or join the conversation on the campaign's Facebook page.   About 100% Cork 100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the benefits of choosing wine with real cork because of cork's environmental, technical and societal advantages. The campaign seeks to recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailers choose natural cork over artificial stoppers. The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council.   More information: Sitrick Brincko Group LLC
Jeff Lloyd & Tom Vogel
7 Times Square, Suite 2600
New York, NY 10036-6524
Tel: + 1 212-573-6100 
E-mail: media@100percentcork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/Rap-Video-about-the-benefits-of-Cork.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/59LD2u86lps/Annual-GRAMMY-Awards-Embrace-Cork-Wine-Stoppers.htm Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 In keeping with its commitment to improving its sustainability initiatives, the 53rd GRAMMY Awards® will host two events serving wine sealed exclusively with natural cork and will recycle all of the closures, 100% Cork announced today. The 53rd GRAMMY Awards will take place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011. “Choosing cork over petroleum-based or metal wine stoppers is one of the many small but helpful decisions that consumers can make every day to improve the health of our planet,” said Allen Hershkowitz, Ph.D., a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council.  “I applaud the GRAMMYs® and other high-profile events that have embraced sustainability programs to protect biodiversity and reduce their carbon footprints.” Wines sealed with cork will be served at the MusiCares® Person of The Year fundraiser honoring Barbra Streisand two days prior to the awards ceremony and at the official GRAMMY Celebration®. Both the MusiCares fundraiser and the GRAMMY Celebration will be equipped with recycling bins provided by ReCORK, a cork recycling organization that will collect the stoppers and provide them to SOLE, a company that manufactures shoes and sandals from recycled cork. Natural cork is one of the world’s most sustainable products. Biodegradable and recyclable, its use provides an economic incentive to preserve vast cork oak forests in the Mediterranean Basin that trap greenhouse gases, prevent desertification and provide habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. There is no shortage of cork, and cork oaks are not cut down to make cork.  A portion of their bark is removed every nine years during a 250-year lifespan.   About The Recording Academy® Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thegrammys), Twitter (www.twitter.com/thegrammys), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thegrammys). About 100% Cork 100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the benefits of choosing wine with real cork stoppers because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal advantages.  The campaign seeks to recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailers choose natural cork over artificial stoppers.  The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council. About SOLE Based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, SOLE is known for its line of supportive, do-it-yourself, heat moldable custom footbeds and footwear, including sandals and closed-toe options. In 2009, SOLE partnered with ReCORK to make products with natural, sustainable cork, and reduce the amount of petroleum products that would normally be used. About ReCORK ReCORK by Amorim is a natural wine cork recycling program. ReCORK’s goal is to recycle corks and to educate and inform our audiences about the crucial role cork forests play in curbing climate change.  ReCORK has collected 14.6 million corks and, in partnership with SOLE, has sponsored the planting of nearly 4,500 cork oak trees. About APCOR  APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with around 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork. Contact: Sitrick Brincko Group LLC Jeff Lloyd (212) 573-6100 Aaron Curtiss (310) 788-2850 Email: media@100PercentCork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/Annual-GRAMMY-Awards-Embrace-Cork-Wine-Stoppers.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/eUmcPuuebJ8/Wine-Drinkers-Now-Have-Directory-of-Wines-with-Cork.htm Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Napa, California – January 25, 2011 – 100% Cork announced the launch today of CorkWatch, an on‐line directory of more than 1,500 wines that indicates which ones are sealed with natural cork.  “U.S. wine drinkers overwhelmingly prefer wine with cork, but it has been difficult for them to determine if a bottle is sealed with a cork or a plastic stopper,” said Peter Weber, Executive Director of the Cork Quality Council. “CorkWatch lifts the veil on wine closures by providing definitive information about whether a bottle of wine is finished with real cork or not.”

CorkWatch can be accessed at www.corkwatch.org or the campaign’s Facebook page. The Facebook page has more than 36,000 fans, many of whom have asked how to determine if a bottle of wine is sealed with genuine cork.

The resource was launched with 1,540 wines derived largely from A.C. Nielson’s listings of top selling premium brands. More than 50 wineries made entries to CorkWatch on the first day they were offered the opportunity to do so. CorkWatch users are encouraged to enter additional wine varietals.

About 100% Cork 100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the benefits of choosing wine with real cork because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal advantages. The campaign seeks to recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailers choose natural cork over artificial stoppers. The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council.

Contact:
Sitrick Brincko Group
LLC Jeff Lloyd
(212) 573‐6100
Lance Ignon
(415) 369‐8443
media@100PercentCork.org
 
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/Wine-Drinkers-Now-Have-Directory-of-Wines-with-Cork.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/MJAInO9y_30/U.S.Wineries-Continue-to-Increase-Their-Use-of-Cork.htm Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Holiday Sales

Sales of wine with cork closures were particularly strong during the holiday period. Cork finishedbrands enjoyed a 10.8% increase in case sales between Oct. 16, 2010 and Jan. 8, 2011, comparedto the same period last year. Case sales of brands finished with alternative closures were flatduring the holiday period.

The CQC study focused on the top 100 selling wine brands priced at more than $6 per 750 mlbottle and was confined to supermarket sales and did not include on‐premise activity or sales fromsmaller wine shops. The top 100 Brands include the majority of wine brands that use alternativewine closures.

About 100%
Cork100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the benefits of choosing wine withreal cork stoppers because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal advantages. Thecampaign seeks to recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailerschoose natural cork over artificial stoppers. The campaign is funded by the Portuguese CorkAssociation and the Cork Quality Council.

Contact:
Jeff Lloyd
(212) 573‐6100
Lance Ignon
(415) 369‐8443
media@100PercentCork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/U.S.Wineries-Continue-to-Increase-Their-Use-of-Cork.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/fjZiddslgFw/beware-the-holiday-party.htm Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 Party Faux Pas that depicts the sad tale of an office worker who fails to realize that artificial wine closures can undermine the environment.  Not to mention the fact that metal and plastic wine closures are about as festive as moldy mistletoe. The clip, narrated by not-so-internationally renowned wine sommelier Garth Lockwood, is one in a series of videos produced by 100% Cork, the nationwide campaign to educate wine drinkers about the environmental, social and technical benefits of choosing natural cork closures over artificial stoppers. Additional videos, including those without tongues placed in cheek, can be found at www.100percentcork.org.  The site also allows viewers to sign a pledge that will be sent to major wineries and wine retailers urging them to increase their reliance on wine finished with natural cork. Reasons to Love and Choose Natural Cork On a serious note, cork allows wine to properly age in a healthy and controlled environment and has proven to be the ideal closure for more than 400 years. From an environmental perspective, metal screw caps and plastic stoppers produce 10-24 times more greenhouse gases and consume as much as five times more non-renewable energy than real cork over their life-cycles, according to a peer-reviewed study by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees grown in the Mediterranean Basin. Contrary to popular belief, cork oaks are not cut down or harmed during the harvest, which provides among the world’s highest-paid agricultural jobs. Cork oaks can live for hundreds of years, and there is no shortage of corks or cork oak trees.  Demand for cork provides an incentive to plant and maintain the Mediterranean’s vast oak forests, which every year offset the carbon produced by 2.5 million cars. The World Wildlife Federation has called the use of plastic and metal wine closures a “major threat” to Mediterranean cork oak forests because their use undermines demand for cork.  About 100% Cork 100% Cork is a campaign to educate U.S. wine consumers about the benefits of choosing wine with real cork stoppers because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal advantages.  The campaign seeks to recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailers choose natural cork over artificial stoppers.  The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council.   Contact:
Sitrick And Company
Jeff Lloyd
(212) 573-6100
Lance Ignon
(415) 369-8443
media@100PercentCork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/beware-the-holiday-party.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/T01QDKszjrA/APCOR-Japan-Natural-Cork-Awards.htm Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 http://naturalcork.jp 2010 – 150 years of Japan-Portugal Relations: 2010 marks 150 years since the Emperor of Japan and King Pedro V of Portugal signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Commerce in 1860, formalizing diplomatic relations between Japan and Portugal. In fact, bilateral relations significantly predate the signing of this treaty, as the first Portuguese arrived in Japan as far back as 1543.








His Excellency the Ambassador of Portugal in Japan João Pedro Zanatti (left) presents award to Nezu Museum Director Koichi Nezu (center) at awards ceremony. Also in picture: APCOR Campaign Representative in Japan Paulo Trancoso (right)
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/APCOR-Japan-Natural-Cork-Awards.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/atWKKrSZ-UM/nine-awards-1st-annual-cork-gala.htm Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200 Notes to the editor: APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.
For more information, please contact: Joaquim Lima Director Tel. 227 474 040 Tel. 918 101 882 E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt www.apcor.pt
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/nine-awards-1st-annual-cork-gala.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/kvPsLhO_3ps/amsterdam-club.htm Fri, 1 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0200 ]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/amsterdam-club.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/CK9Sl4bm8vM/798.htm Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200 Diving instructor Christian Ekstrom said the bottles are believed to be from the 1780s and likely were part of a cargo destined for Russia. The nationality of the sunken ship has not yet been determined.
"We brought up the bottle to be able to establish how old the wreck was," he told The Associated Press. "We didn't know it would be champagne. We thought it was wine or something."
Ekstrom said the divers were overjoyed when they popped the cork on their boat after hauling the bubbly from a depth of 200 feet.  "It tasted fantastic. It was a very sweet champagne, with a tobacco taste and oak," Ekstrom said.
The divers discovered the shipwreck Tuesday near the Aland Islands, between Sweden and Finland. About 30 bottles are believed to be aboard the sunken vessel. For more information see the video bellow or visit the link.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/798.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/TpDTJOSpk3Q/786.htm Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200 to Reinforce Americans’ Overwhelming Preference for Natural Cork:
Time to Make Their Voices Heard
Facebook Fans to Top 10,000 This Week   100PercentCork.org launched a pledge drive at the Sustainable Brands 2010 conference today to reinforce Americans’ overwhelming preference for natural cork for their wine because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal benefits.
“Natural cork embodies sustainability like few other products, so this conference is the ideal venue to launch the campaign,” said Peter Weber, executive director of the Cork Quality Council, one of the campaign’s supporters.

100PercentCork.org is already rapidly gathering momentum. The campaign is on track to sign up more than 10,000 fans for its Facebook page before the conference’s last session on Thursday.

Meanwhile, cork supporters are taking the 100 Percent Cork Pledge. Pledges will be collected in petitions to major wine retailers and winemakers to strongly urge them to increase their offerings of wine closed with natural cork.

“U.S. wine drinkers and winemakers overwhelmingly prefer cork over synthetic stoppers for its uniquely rich tradition and unmatched technical performance,” Weber said. “However, there are also powerful environmental reasons to choose cork.”

Cork is recyclable, biodegradable and creates a commercial incentive for the sustainable stewardship of the Mediterranean cork oak forests, which trap carbon emissions while providing one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

“Choosing cork over artificial wine stoppers is a small but easy step to show that you care about your planet and your wine,” Weber said. “In addition to its own environmental and technical advantages, that simple cork in the top of a wine bottle sustains vast cork forests and a way of life that stretches back more than 400 years.”


Why Choose Cork?

Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oaks. The process does not harm the trees, but it does provide some of the world’s best-paid agricultural jobs. Skilled craftsmen carefully remove the bark from the oak trees in a practice refined over centuries, while modern processing techniques have provided an unmatched technical performance. Natural cork is a safe, healthy, natural closure that protects wines better over time than metal-based or oil-derived closures.

The 5.4 million acres (2.2 million hectares) of Mediterranean cork forests sequester carbon, just like the world’s rain forests. Portuguese cork forests alone - which account for about a third of all Mediterranean cork forests - retain 4.8 million metric tons of C0₂ every year, according to the Lisbon School of Agronomy. This is equivalent to the annual C0₂ emissions of more than 830,000 passenger vehicles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If cork was no longer needed for wine stoppers, the survival of many of these trees would be at risk.

According to a peer-reviewed study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, aluminum and plastic stoppers consume as much as five times more non-renewable energy during their lifecycles, compared to cork. The same study shows that aluminum screw-caps produce 24 times as much greenhouse gases. Plastic stoppers produce nearly 10 times as much. Notes to the editor:

About 100PercentCork.org 100PercentCork.org is a campaign to recruit U.S. wine consumers to choose wine with natural cork stoppers because of cork’s environmental, technical and societal benefits. The campaign seeks to educate, recruit and organize wine consumers to request that winemakers and retailers choose natural cork over artificial stoppers. The campaign is funded by the Portuguese Cork Association and the Cork Quality Council.

For more information and a playback of the 100PercentCork.org presentation at the Sustainable Brands Conference, visit www.100PercentCork.org. Join the conversation about cork on our Facebook page. Follow campaign developments on Twitter.

About the Sustainable Brands Conference The Sustainable Brands Conference is the preeminent conference for executives looking to understand the unfolding market drivers and leading-edge strategies for building business and brand value by innovating for sustainability. Sustainable Brands 2010 – has convened an unprecedented list of more than 700 leading sustainability, brand strategy, product design and communications executives from top global brands as well as bonfire start-ups, NGOs and leading solutions providers.
Contact:
Sitrick Brincko Group LLC
Tom Vogel / Jeff Lloyd
(212) 573-6100
media@100PercentCork.org APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association
APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with almost 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/786.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/_6fBsLx8Hb4/771.htm Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200 Photo: Grupo Amorim
  Cork, more specifically, black agglomerate, will be the material of excellence for the building of the Portugal Pavillion in Expo2010, Shanghai, China. Designed by Carlos Couto, a Portuguese architect living in Macau, the work will have two thousand squared metres and aims to respond to the gauntlet launched by the exhibition “Better City, Better Life”.
Cork was presented as the best solution, because “besides being a Portuguese product, it is a national, recyclable and ecological product. It is an example of innovation and good environmental practices which potentiates the image of Portugal in the biggest Universal Exhibition ever made”, it can be read in the press release of the presentation of the pavilion.
With a three million Euro budget, the structure is a showcase of the country as a cultural and commercial centre for the world, reflecting the concept of sustainability of the buildings of contemporary cities, and highlighting it as a key-element of national politics in economical and environmental terms.
The Portugal Pavillion shows the world the historic relations between Portugal and China, and also highlights the national advances taken in terms of renewable energies and of the creation of innovative products at an environmental and energetic level.
APCOR is negotiating with the Agency for Investment and External Commerce of Portugal (AICEP) to define the implementation of an initiative to promote cork, to be held in this space.
The exhibition will take place from May 1st to October 31st 2010, and expects to receive over 70 million visitors
For more information visit: http://www.portugalexpo2010.com.pt/homepage.aspx.

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/771.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/KRwJ2OWaikY/737.htm Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 The first wine to be bottled with certified cork will be the Sainsbury’s winning Blanc du Noirs Champagne, sold at an average 10.000 bottles a week in the period prior to Christmas. The estimate is that until the end of 2010, the amount of wines bottled with FSC corks amounts to 6 million units, number which will turn Sainsbury’s into the biggest user of certified cork in the world.

According to Barry Dick, Sainsbury’s winemaker “the choice of the type of stopper we use is based on a series of factors, including quality, style and denomination of origin, which define which stopper adapts best to each wine. When we use cork, it is important to make sure that it has a positive contribution to biodiversity and, simultaneously, to the consistency and quality of our wines, so that these develop in their entire splendour.”
Luís Neves Silva, responsible for WWF Portugal, emphasizes the importance of the position taken by Sainsbury’s: “The cork oak forest in Portugal and the Mediterranean is a truly unique resource, with a fundamental role in the preservation of biodiversity. WWF publicly recognizes Sainsbury’s for the commitment to the use of FSC certified corks. Being one of the main wine markets in the world, this is a clear indication of the market tendency which the forest products should continue to follow.”
Source: Press Release Corticeira Amorim
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/737.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/siL0JwD4Gnw/738.htm Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 This new edition of Sagres Bohemia, of an exclusive and sophisticated design, was thought for the demanding consumers of this beer, providing them, in a unique experience, a packaging favourable to sharing and offering to friends and family, celebrating the coming Christmas and New Years’ festivities.
This package of Sagres Bohemia Reserva 1835, which reinforces the positioning of the brand in the Premium segment of Portuguese beers, is already available in all Supermarkets of the country, as well as in selected Restaurants.
Heir to a tradition that began in the nineteenth century Fábrica da Trindade, Bohemia 1835 is a tribute to the knowledge and inspiration of master beer brewers, dating back to the original recipe of the Trindade Convent.
Source: Central de Cervejas e Bebidas nº 154

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/738.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/ztaBTLQc3R4/740.htm Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100
APCOR – You managed to win the prize of the competition launched by the Guggenheim Museum and which was based on an online vote in innovative architecture projects. How does it feel?
David Mares – Winning this competition, which is in my opinion very important being associated to two internationally known entities, is an honour. I am very proud to receive this award, which comes as a sign of recognition of my work and which is very important for a young architect.
  Architect David Mares Cork Block Shelter   Being a prize attributed by public vote, how do you explain this result of almost 65 thousand votes?
I believe it is not only due to the fact that it is a Portuguese project, made by a Portuguese person, but also to the cork application, which is a material which offers a good thermal and acoustic isolation and is a good impermeable. Adding to these characteristics is the fact that it is ecological and that Portugal is the biggest world exporter of this raw-material.

Can you explain better what this project consists of? How was this idea born?
This project consists of a cork box, which has some dynamics in the façades, meaning that the box can be presented open to the exterior, with a dash that allows enjoying the views; or it can be completely closed, conferring peace and quiet to its occupier. The idea was materialized step by step, the process of projecting is very dynamic, there is never an initial idea that is materialized to its full. The idea is transformed throughout the project.

And why did you name it “Cork Shelter”?
I named it "Cork Block Shelter" to be correct. This was because the fundamental concept of the project is a shelter that is materialized with cork walls that are formed through the assemblage of perpendicular cork blocks.

Is cork a material you consider interesting in terms of architecture?
It is very interesting, seeing that it is a natural material with great technical characteristics and with a pleasant visible texture.Is cork a material you consider interesting in terms of architecture?
It is very interesting, seeing that it is a natural material with great technical characteristics and with a pleasant visible texture.

Do you think about putting this project in practice?
Yes, everything is still very insipid, but there has been some demonstration of interest of putting it into practice.

Do you have in mind other projects involving cork?
Not at the moment.

In your opinion, why do architects, generally, not consider cork as a material to use? Do you think there is a lack of knowledge in terms of cork’s potential?
Yes, perhaps there is lack of knowledge of the material.
Shelter received 65 thousand votes

"CBS - Cork Block Shelter" is the name of the shelter built in cork by the architect David Mares, which won a competition launched by the Guggenheim Museum, in New York. This modern and contemporary art museum launched an international challenge called “Shelter Competition”, inviting competitors to send a 3D project of a shelter according to the rules of the competition – to conceive a dwelling space for one human being, draw it up on GoogleSketchUp (specific design program) and place it anywhere on Earth through GoogleEarth. Following the ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright – the architect who conceived Guggenheim – the project should be, also, in harmony with its surrounding environment.
The “Cork Block Shelter” was built entirely out of cork and placed in Vale dos Barris, Setúbal – region where the cork oak forest can also be found. The young architect’s project was, firstly, selected out of 600 projects from 68 countries. At a second phase, the Cork Block Shelter and nine other projects were available for voting online for about a month. The Portuguese project won with almost 65 thousand votes – the second place, Gonzalo Raymundo, did not manage to reach 20 thousand.

 
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/740.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/0LPizV77lR4/719.htm Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.frenchwinesociety.org/site.php?page=accueil&ver=pro&id Dr. Christian Butzke’s Report: http://www.ecologicalcork.com/page15/files/2009-06-24.pdf Wine Business Monthly Closure Report: http://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/?go=getArticle&dataId=66144 eRobertParker Discussion Forum: http://dat.erobertparker.com/bboard/showthread.php?t=209945 Catavino.net on Robert Parker’s tasting: http://catavino.net/wine/the-grand-garnacha-tasting-of-robert-parker-%e2%80%93-wine-future-conference/ Wine Future: http://www.winefuture.es/     Notes to the editor: APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.   For more information, please contact: Joaquim Lima Director Tel. 227 474 040 Tel. 918 101 882 E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt www.apcor.pt
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/719.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/9j-JQJJEG2Q/717.htm Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/717.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/EqJUfeabRlw/713.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 ]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/713.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/o-BdY8-zy7I/709.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200 To view this film, you can access: www.ecologicalcork.com/files/tag-forest-in-a-bottle.html (only in portuguese).

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/709.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/24UUs7z5DLI/706.htm Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.agroinformacion.com/noticias/27/bebidas/19251/la-apuesta-por-el-uso-del-corcho.aspx   http://www.adn.es/local/lleida/20090522/NWS-2596-Firman-convenio-tapones-corcho-vinos.html   http://www.retecork.org/retecork.php   http://www.vinsilicorsgrau.es/

  For more information, please contact: Joaquim Lima Director Tel. 227 474 040 Tel. 918 101 882 E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt www.apcor.pt     Notes to the editor:   APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/706.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/AFNe9vTLVs4/699.htm Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200
The programme, budgeted on 21 million Euros, has as its objective to promote the cork stoppers and construction and decorative materials – as being the main products of the industry and covering in its whole around 90 per cent of what is produced.

This Project benefits from a backing of 80 per cent from the Compete Programme – (Operational Factors of Competition Programme) – of the QREN (National Strategic Reference Board) and is inserted in the Cork Industry Support Plan (PAIC).

Intercork will have 15 million Euros for the promotion of the cork stoppers, reaching countries such as France, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and USA. The target-audience is the consumer, wide distribution, wine industry, leaders of opinion, Professional organisms (oenologist schools and associations, wine producers, etc.), the media (wine, lifestyle, tourism, and gastronomy), distributors and importers of some markets and universities/ laboratories of some markets.

Sustainability (ecology, CO2 retention, Biodiversity), the oak cork as a synonym of wine quality, oak cork as the consumer’s preference, cork as an ally of tradition and as image of the wine industry, and positioning against other seals – namely in technical issues – highlighting the quality of the cork are some of the key issues to be communicated.

In the case of construction and decorative materials, the campaign will reach the USA and Canada, Germany, Russia, Japan, Belgium, Holland, China and the United Arab Emirates, and will be directed at architects, engineers, designers, decorators, retailers, importers and distributors, technical schools, universities, design centers, final customers and the Media.

Cork will be communicated as a natural, modern and elegant product, with a prevalent eco-design image, and its unique technical and sensory characteristics, allied to comfort and the aesthetics of the product.

There is also a foreseen budget of 2.5 million Euros to develop a set of actions which will be transversal to the whole campaign, such as the creation and production of information and communication supports, as well as the development of the Apcor website.

“Intercork is the biggest communication Project that Apcor has ever developed. This facts leads to, on the one hand, a great responsibility and commitment from all the industry and the Apcor team, so that the campaign is in fact one of inversion in favour of cork in international markets, and, on the other hand, the acknowledgement of the vital importance that the cork industry represents to our country”, states Joaquim Lima, Director of Apcor.

The start of the campaign is predicted by the end of 2009 and will run for 24 months.

For more information, please contact:
Joaquim Lima
Director
Tel. 227 474 040
Tel. 918 101 882
E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt
www.apcor.pt

Notes to the editor:

APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association
APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/699.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/GZAJ6LestCU/696.htm Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.countdown2010.net/?id=38) working to reduce the current rate of loss of biological diversity by the year 2010. According to its declaration of purpose, this network's goal is that “all governments and members of civil society, at every level, take the necessary acts to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010”.

This initiative proposes to pass from words to acting by introducing the challenge: “Ten Things That We Can All Do That Make A Difference”. And drinking wine sealed with cork is one of them. The oak cork, as the main product of a sustainable industry, allows the conservation of the “montado” (cork oak forest) and the survival of animal and vegetable species living in this habitat. Note that the “montado” is, for example, home to species in danger of extinction, as is the case of the Iberian Lince.

Countdown 2010 is a powerful network of active partners working together to achieve the 2010 biodiversity target. Each partner commits to additional efforts in tackling the loss of biodiversity. The secretariat of this organization is hosted by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), facilitating, encouraging and promoting action towards the 2010 target. An Assembly of all members meets annually to review the overall direction of Countdown 2010.

In order to consult the partners of this network and to contribute to the cause, you can check online at: www.countdown2010.net/

For more information, please contact:
Joaquim Lima
Director
Tel. 227 474 040
E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt
www.realcork.org


Notes to the editor:

APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association
APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/696.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/aBwZs8niRIo/697.htm Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200
At the moment, the basic infra-structures have already been created, as well as the pre-project identifying the respective lots; the study on environment impact has been elaborated and the Managerial Entity of PEC has been formed. This entity is assumed mostly by the local City Council, with the presence of Apcor, as well as other entities.

The project, budgeted at around 11 million euros (4,6 million funded by public funds and 6,4 million obtained by the sale of lots), has a total gross area of 477 thousand m2, in that 300 thousand m2 are for industrial deployment, 9,4 thousand m2 for specific services of collective use, 30,4 thousand m2 for general support services, and the remaining area for green zones, parking and access. The industrial complex will be located in the parish of Santa Maria de Lamas and São João de Ver, at the border with Lourosa and Rio Meão – main cities where the cork industry is situated.

“PEC comes as an answer to the problems and difficulties of the cork industry in the territory of Santa Maria da Feira. In this sense, an area aimed at the lodging of businesses in the cork industry will be formed, with the forecast of the construction of a series of services for collective use, such as a unit for handling liquid effluents, a cork boiling unit, a cork powder energy co-generator, a unit for treating cork and specific areas for raw cork and material storage and general support services such as a nursery, canteen, security services, amongst others.” explains Joaquim Lima, Director of Apcor.

Emídio Sousa, president of the Administration Council of PEC, refers that “the cork industry assumes an economic and social weight which is fundamental for the region. In this sense, it was necessary to reinforce the conditions of action of this industry, which is developing in an unfavourable picture in terms of location, attraction and urban fixation of the companies, as well as the absence of services specific to the activity of the sector.” “PEC appears as a fundamental project for the development of this sector”, he states.

The main objectives of PEC is: to create an area aimed at the lodging of businesses and support services of the sector; to improve the conditions of the activity, to relocate the companies so as to organize the territory, to overcome the lack of dimension of the current industrial zones; to create synergies between the businesses of the sector, allowing for the diffusion of good practices; to develop the sector so as to potentiate the creation of new jobs, create specific services of collective use for the cork industry, and to potentiate the approximation of the Cork Industry Training Centre (Cincork) and of the Cork Technological Centre (Ctcor) to the companies.

For more information, please contact:
Joaquim Lima
Director
Tel. 227 474 040
E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt
www.realcork.org

Notes to the Editor

APCOR - Portuguese Cork Association
APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, more than 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.

]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/697.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/0Y2QPF2hUNw/624.htm Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0200 realcork@apcor.pt http://www.realcork.org/   Press release in PDF.
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/624.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/ePHeZ3iI9N4/481.htm Fri, 4 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0200 realcork@apcor.pt  www.realcork.org 
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/481.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/cEqoDV1Mlvs/454.htm Thu, 4 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0200 www.federlegno.it/associazioni/assolegno/  5          Information on CO2 emissions resulting from the manufacture of closures: "Screwcaps worst for the environment says closure company”, Decanter, 24 of July 2007.   For additional information: Joaquim Lima Director Tel. +351 22 747 40 46 E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt www.realcork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/454.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/V9ZMyS_jDVU/144.htm Tue, 3 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0200 Mourinho to front UK Cork Campaign The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) proudly announces the start of its Campaign for Cork in the UK this month with the signing of Jose Mourinho, manager of the Chelsea Football Club.        A native of Portugal, Mourinho was a perfect choice to be the face of the campaign.  “He is well respected in Portugal and highly recognizable throughout Europe for his formidable presence on and off the field.  We know he can bring the same attention and focus to our efforts in the cork industry,” said Elisa Pedro, Communications Director of APCOR. The Cork Campaign is designed to target two key audiences: the wine consumer and the wine trade industry.  The consumer approach will be to increase awareness and stir up and stimulate a fair and balanced discussion amongst consumers on the wine closures debate.  Trade activities will include efforts to communicate the achievements of the cork industry to deliver the finest quality cork closures and to partner with wine industry leaders to reinforce the association between real cork and the best wines.     Through various activities utilising consumer and trade press as well as outdoor and online promotions, the six month campaign will promote positive aspects of cork and reinforce the association between real cork and the best quality wines.  “With recent progress in cork research and new product development, we find we are now in a position to take a pro-active approach,” said Hugh Taylor, Managing Director of Grasshopper, the agency behind the campaign. Founded in 1956, APCOR promotes the development of the Portuguese cork industry, manages the quality of Portugal’s cork production and champions the benefits of natural cork.  Since Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, APCOR strives to help create solutions that may limit the cork industry from producing quality cork stoppers.  APCOR is also commited to the environmental issues and works tirelessly through research and development to ensure future generations can enjoy the benefits of natural cork.  For further information contact:
Grasshopper
Sarah Francis
Tel. + 020 7349 3030
Email. sarah@grasshopper.uk.com  
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/144.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/UnpJXipar9k/152.htm Tue, 3 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0200


For further information contact: Grasshopper Hugh Taylor Tel. + 020 7349 3030 Email. hugh@grasshopper.uk.com
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/152.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/mkyEKe5G3mk/153.htm Tue, 3 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0200
London. APCOR’s (Portuguese Cork Association) ‘Real Cork, Real Wine’ campaign has joined the organisers of the LIWSF (London International Wine and Spirits Fair) for the fourth natural cork recycling drive.    The recycling initiative aims to raise awareness of natural cork’s environmental importance. “I am pleased the London International Wine and Spirit Fair will once again support the cork recycling activity. We hope even more exhibitors and visitors will be aware of the scheme and contribute where possible to this important environmental initiative,” said James Murray, Exhibition Director.   APCOR and LIWSF will make participating as easy as possible for all attendees throughout the three days by providing each exhibition stand with convenient receptacles to collect their used real corks. Official ‘Real Cork’ collecting staff will gather thousands of real corks daily. For every box collected from the stand, exhibitors can fill out an entry form to be entered into a draw to win a trip to the Montado, home of the beautiful cork forests. The more boxes they fill, the more chances they have to win.    Elisa Pedro, the director of APCOR’s International Campaign for Cork said, “We are delighted to run the fourth natural cork recycling activity with the organisers of LIWSF. Cork is wine’s natural stopper and unlike artificial materials, it’s long-lasting, resilient and contributes to environmental sustainability.”    Through various activities utilising consumer and trade press as well as outdoor and online promotions, the International Campaign for Cork kicked off in March to promote positive aspects of real cork and reinforce the association between real cork and the best quality wines.  Founded in 1956, APCOR promotes the development of the Portuguese cork industry. APCOR is also commited to the environmental issues and works tirelessly through research and development to ensure future generations can enjoy the benefits of natural cork.                                                 For further information, please contact: Grasshopper Hugh Taylor Tel. + 020 7349 3030 E. hugh@grasshopper.uk.com Or Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) Tel. + 351 227474 046 E. realcork@apcor.pt
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/153.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/AbwLrkv18Vk/401.htm Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100 Overall, forest land in Portugal has increased 1.8 per cent from 3.34 million hectares to 3.41 million hectares. In the Alentejo region (southern interior part of Portugal) – where the Cork Oak tree is more dominant – the cork forest areas have increased 8.9 percent, from 439,900 to 527,200 hectares, and in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (Tagus Valley) regions the increase was 11.5 per cent, from 139,800 to 155,900 hectares. The only region to register a decline in Cork Oak forest area, in the order of 28.8 per cent, from 39,900 to 28,400 hectares, is the Algarve. According to IFN data, the Pine tree (Portugal’s previously dominant tree species) forestland went from 976,000 to 710,000 hectares, signifying a 28 per cent area reduction, while the Eucalyptus tree species, experienced a decline of 3.7 per cent, from 672,000 to 646,000 hectares. Concerning forestland distribution, the Cork Oak tree is mainly present in pure stands (where it is the only tree species) occupying 591,700 hectares; whilst in mixed stands (where it coexists with other species, namely Holm Oak) it represents only 145,000 hectares. It was due to this mixed stand distribution, however, that the cork forest areas initially appeared to be in decline. Over the last ten years, the Holm Oak forestland has decreased by 16 percent.  Notes to the Editor Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with approximately 300 members, representing around 80% of the total national cork production and 85% of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork. For additional information:
Joaquim Lima
Director
Tel. +351 22 747 40 46
E-mail: realcork@apcor.pt
www.realcork.org
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/401.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/BtmrJLqOVDE/66.htm Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 +0200 Nine out of ten customers think non-cork closures cheapen wine survey says NAPA, Calif. - Consumers still love cork according to the results of s recent survey of the United States wine trade. Nine out of ten consumers - a stunning 94% - think that non-cork closures sometimes or often cheapen a bottle of wine according to those questioned in the study.  Cork closures are still popular too with those in the trade who work directly serving wine to customers. Of those questioned who worked in a restaurant or other wine serving setting, the majority (71%) still preferred to open wine bottles with cork closures above screwcaps (26%) and synthetic closures (3%.) They felt their customers were not well informed about the issue of wine closures, with 48% of them feeling customers had very little information, 35% with some information and 9% with no information about which closures protect wine best. The survey was carried out by Napa-based Balzac Communications on behalf of the Portuguese cork association (APCOR) as part of the International Campaign for Cork.
During the week of December 12 to 18, 2005, Balzac Communications and Marketing sent out a survey on wine bottle closures to members of the US wine trade to determine their opinions of cork closures. Survey participants included members of the US Court of Master Sommeliers, restaurateurs, retailers, wine buyers at hotels nationwide and member of the wine media. There were 327 responses to the 20 question-survey. According to respondents the bulk of consumers (69%) preferred cork as a wine closure because of its tradition. Cork performance was a factor for (11%) of consumers according to the wine trade, as well as sustainability (1%.) A further 19% felt consumers liked cork for all these reasons. Half of those questioned felt the wine and cork industry was making progress in some ways toward solving the issue of off-odors associated with TCA. Of those in a direct wines sales setting in restaurants, around 41% of those surveyed said they experienced about one customer per month sending back wine for quality issues. A further 25.4% said one customer a week sent back wine, 21.3% said this happened two to five times per week. Around 6.6% said 10 customers per week would send back one, while 5.7% had never had a customer send back a wine.
                                                          
For their at-home wine enjoyment the bulk (50.7%) of wine trade respondents still preferred cork as a closure for their wines, followed by screwcaps (42.6%) and synthetic closures (6.7%.) “Wine lovers still love their corks,” says Elisa Pedro, Director, Communication & International Relations for APCOR. “This survey shows consumers trust cork and see it as a sign of quality in wine.”
 
APCOR is a consortium of the world’s biggest cork producers. Today Portugal has the most modern cork stopper closure manufacturing facilities in the world and accounts for nearly half of all worldwide cork production. Balzac Communications and Marketing is a marketing communications agency with a no-nonsense approach to combining the strategies and tactics of marketing, public relations, advertising and graphic design to achieve the marketing goals of our clients. The experience, creativity and determination of our staff distinguish Balzac from our competition. We use these assets to develop and execute cost-effective campaigns, which have won international communications awards. The results speak for themselves. The agency is located in Napa, California, and provides services to national, regional, and local companies based in Northern California and throughout the world. For further information, please contact:
Balzac Communications & Marketing
Paul Wagner/Helen Pitt
Tel: + 1 707 255 7667  
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/66.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/IJjbEzynrsk/68.htm Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 +0200 The Cork Campaign Looks to Retailers and Off-Licensees for Support  Wine consumers have a vast selection of wines to choose from when purchasing their wine.  Why not give them the right to choose their type of closure as well?  This April, the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) is looking for off licensees and wine retailers to join the campaign for cork to give customers the right to exercise their preference for a real cork. As one of the key elements of the Campaign for Cork, kits will be distributed to 500 retailers or off-licensees throughout the UK.  The kits will include materials such as neck collars (to be placed on wines with real cork), window stickers, posters and leaflets for retailers to display their support for cork.  By labelling all wines with real cork with neck collars, APCOR is giving consumers the power to choose their wine closure.  “Research has shown that three out of four UK consumers prefer natural cork over other stoppers.  Consumers attribute status to closures and are disappointed to find an artificial stopper when they open a bottle of wine,” said Elisa Pedro, Communications Director for APCOR.  She adds, “Wine consumers clearly want to know the type of closure. Wine drinkers want information readily available on the type of stoppers in their wine when purchasing it, so they can make an informed choice.” Through various activities utilising consumer and trade press as well as outdoor and online promotions, the Cork Campaign kicked off in March to promote positive aspects of real cork and reinforce the association between real cork and the best quality wines. 
Founded in 1956, APCOR promotes the development of the Portuguese cork industry, manages the quality of Portugal’s cork production and champions the benefits of natural cork.  Since Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, APCOR strives to help create solutions that may limit the cork industry from producing quality cork stoppers.  APCOR is also commited to the environmental issues and works tirelessly through research and development to ensure future generations can enjoy the benefits of natural cork.  For further information contact:
Grasshopper
Hugh Taylor
Tel. + 020 7349 3030
Email. hugh@grasshopper.uk.com  
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/68.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/yhlCs5ki0Lw/70.htm Mon, 15 May 2006 00:00:00 +0200 Spain’s winemaking regulators outlaw alternative closures in top Spanish wines NAPA, Calif. – A new Spanish law governing wine closures in some of Spain’s top wine producing regions insists that only cork can be used as a closure for still and sparkling wines in order for it to gain (Denominación de Origen) D.O. status. It outlaws the use of alternative wine closures such as screw caps and synthetic closures, in 11 of Spain’s top wine producing regions. The Catalan Minister of Agriculture and INCAVI, the Catalan Institute of vines and wines introduced the new law at the end of 2005, modifying its existing rules governing viticulture and oenology set down in 2002. The D.O. is the standard classification for quality wine in Spain, akin to the U.S.’s American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) Italy’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata (D.O.C.) and France’s Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AC). The new law affects wines made in the 11 Catalan D.O.s in northeastern Spain including Catalunya, Costers del Segre, Montsant, Pla de Bages, Tarragona, Alella, Conca de Barberà, Empordà, Penedès, Terra Alta and Priorat. Grape growers in these regions were the first to make distinctively international style wines. The Priorat region in particular, is considered the new star of Spanish wine, with its red wines developing a cult following especially among wine lovers abroad. Penedès is the region best known for producing the bulk of Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine, Cava. All Cava must be bottled in cork, as well as all red and white wines from these 11 regions. “This Spanish law is yet another endorsement for the cork closure,” says Elisa Pedro, Director of Communication & International Relations for APCOR, the consortium of Portuguese cork producers. “Spanish law makers and wine producers are responding to what wine drinkers the world over have been telling us for a long time – cork is a sign of quality for wine.” APCOR recently launched its international Campaign for Cork, a $US 3 million campaign to promote the use of cork as wine closures. A recent market study of the United States wine trade, carried out as part of this campaign, found that nine out of ten consumers think that non-cork closures sometimes or often cheapen a bottle of wine.  These findings confirm earlier consumer surveys: A 2005 closure survey by the Wine Spectator showed 81% of those questioned in an internet survey preferred cork closures compared to 18% who preferred screw caps. In 2004, Wine Intelligence, a leading international wine industry consultancy, conducted a major survey of American consumer attitudes to two types of seal, cork stoppers and aluminum capsules (screw caps). Two thirds of the respondents thought it was positive to buy wine with a cork stopper, 52% rejected aluminum capsules and only 1% said they did not like to drink wine sealed with a cork. APCOR is a consortium of more than 280 cork companies, representing approximately 80% of the Portuguese cork business volume and 85% of all cork exports from Portugal. APCOR stands for "Associação Portuguesa da Cortiça" - Portuguese Cork Association. It was founded in 1956 and is based in Santa Maria de Lamas, near Porto in Portugal.  Its mission is to represent and promote natural cork and all products made of cork. Companies involved in the production, commerce and export of cork-based products are members of this association.                                               
For further information, please contact:
Balzac Communications & Marketing
Paul Wagner/Helen Pitt
Tel: + 1 707 255 7667  
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/70.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/c2oUBcSNUts/649.htm Thu, 1 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100 APCOR wishes you a Mery Christmas and a Happy New Year.  
]]> http://www.apcor.pt/artigo/649.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/apcor/KmzE/~3/avR_1RaWyOg/Annual-GRAMMY-Awards-serve-wines-with-cork.htm Thu, 1 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100
The awards show will take place at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will air on CBS at 8/7 p.m. CT on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012. The Recording Academy®, internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards®, continues its ongoing effort to reduce the environmental impact of its annual awards ceremony, telecast, and associated GRAMMY Week events.
Wines sealed with cork will be served at the MusiCares® Person of The Year tribute dinner and concert honoring Paul McCartney two days prior to the awards ceremony and at the official GRAMMY Celebration® following the awards show.
The events will be equipped with recycling bins provided by ReCORK, a cork recycling organization that will collect the stoppers and provide them to SOLE, a company that manufactures shoes and sandals from recycled cork.
“We are honored that The Recording Academy has made natural cork a component of its sustainability program,” said Peter Weber, executive director of the Cork Quality Council.  “The Academy joins a growing list of organizations, including the Major League Baseball Association and the National Basketball Association, that has recognized the environmental benefits of natural cork.”

Natural cork is one of the world’s most sustainable products. Biodegradable and recyclable, its use provides an economic incentive to preserve vast cork oak forests in the Mediterranean Basin that trap greenhouse gases, prevent desertification and provide habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species. There is no shortage of cork, and cork oaks are not cut down to make cork.  A portion of their bark is removed every nine years during a 250-year lifespan.

About APCOR  APCOR’s mission is to represent and promote the Portuguese Cork Industry, with around 250 members, representing around 80 percent of the total national cork production and 85 percent of all cork exports. APCOR is also responsible for promotional activities, with added value to cork, on both a national and international scale, providing, in addition, an extensive Information Resource Centre on cork.

About the Cork Quality Council (CQC)

Based in Napa, Calif., the CQC is a non-profit organization that promotes education and quality assurance standards for cork wine closures.  Together with the Portuguese Cork Association, the CQC sponsors 100 Percent Cork, a national campaign to raise awareness about the social, technical and environmental benefits of cork.

About ReCork

ReCORK is a natural wine cork recycling program. ReCORK's goal is to recycle natural corks and be a point of interaction about the crucial role of cork forests. ReCORK is committed to sustainable solutions, partnering with like-minded companies and developing innovative consumer products that use natural cork to replace petroleum based materials. The ReCORK program is sponsored by SOLE, a leading manufacturer of footwear products based in Vancouver, British Columbia.  More information can be found at http://recork.org.

For further information:

Sitrick Brincko Group LLC -USA
Chantal Lamers
415-369-8469
310-788-2850
chantal_lamers@sitrick.com
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