SANTIAGO DE CHILE, Chile, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after initiating measurement of its water footprint in partnership with the Fundacion Chile and the Water Footprint Network, results show that Vina Concha y Toro uses 40% less water in producing one glass of wine than the estimated average of the world's wine industry, making it the first winery in the world to measure its water footprint using the methodology of the Water Footprint Network.

These results are especially important as Concha y Toro registers a water footprint smaller than the estimated averages for selected zones and regions of France, Argentina, Australia, Italy, USA and Spain (*).

The stages of the production process with the largest water footprints were likewise identified, with 92% used in the grape production stage, and 8% in the vinification and bottling stages.  Since Concha y Toro currently irrigates 87% of the vineyard's production surface using drip irrigation, this guarantees a high degree of water efficiency, and likewise allows projections that the company will continue this improvement in sustainable water use, in view of its hopes to progressively increase the area irrigated by drip irrigation.  The company also plans to continue making this annual measurement, and to implement recommendations as they arise from the process.

According to Juan Ramon Candia, Water and Environment Manager for Fundacion Chile, "I think that this will help to position the Chilean wine industry in terms of sustainability with a powerful sign to the destination markets. As the Fundacion Chile, this experience has allowed us to deepen and reinforce our knowledge, as well as make an exhaustive review of the methodology, identifying its strengths and weaknesses for future applications in other industries".

On the other hand Cristobal Goycoolea, Vina Concha y Toro Manager of Sustainable Development, stated that, "This first calculation of the Concha y Toro corporate water footprint is a new sign of the depth and the seriousness of our commitment to conservation of the environment and its resources, and a new step in our strategy for sustainable vineyard development. And it is the initial kick off in developing an integral water management policy in our company".

(*) Reference data- calculations are general averages and the CyT value is a detailed calculation)

SOURCE Vina Concha y Toro S.A.