The company will be putting three of its winemaking facilities on the market, valued at about $200 million, rationalising its packaging operations, increasing prices, cutting its workforce and shedding about a third of the labels under its brand names.

At the same time, another beverage giant, Foster's Group, is also reviewing its Australian wine operations and there is speculation in the business media that the industry could be seeing a preview of the outcome.

CWA will be selling its winemaking facilities at Clare and Padthaway in South Australia, and Mount Barker in Western Australia, streamlining its product portfolio and adjusting fruit sourcing requirements to suit.

The bottling operations at Swan Valley, WA, will be relocated to Reynella, SA, where there will be a reduction in the number of bottling shifts.

CWA chairman John Grant says the company will bring greater focus to its business by reducing its product range and production footprint, which will deliver greater quality and efficiency.

"We intend retaining the Leasingham, Stonehaven and Goundrey wine brands, and will continue to source fruit from these regions and vineyards as required," he said.

"As a result of implementing these changes, the company will be restructuring its workforce, with approximately 350 positions impacted and we will provide assistance for all affected employees."

* To read more, visit www.winemags.com.au or subscribe to GrapeGrowers & Vignerons - Fairfax Media’s monthly national grape and wine publication - by phoning 1300 131 095 or emailing subscriptions.netcirc@ruralpress.com.

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Source: http://www.winemags.com.au