The head of the global economic forum OECD warned Britain that leaving the European Union would be tantamount to taxing its citizens - another in a growing cavalcade of cautionary advice ahead of a June 23 referendum on membership in the 28-nation bloc.

The warning by Angel Gurria, the secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, came just days after expressions of concern by US President Barack Obama, the UK Treasury and the International Monetary Fund.

He described the notion that Britain might gain a better trade deal outside the union as somewhat fanciful.

Gurria's assessment follows that made by the UK Treasury last week, which determined that leaving the European Union would cost Britain the equivalent of 6,100 US dollars per household.

The estimate was based on an analysis of the long-term costs and benefits of EU membership and its alternatives.

The ever-more dire OECD judgment came the same day that authorities reported Britain's economy slowed in the first three months of the year amid concerns about the global economy as well as the vote on EU membership.

The UK economy grew by a quarter-on-quarter rate of 0.4 percent in January-March, down from 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday.

Services, which comprise 78 percent of the British economy, continued to grow, expanding by 0.6 percent.

But other sectors declined, including construction, mining and manufacturing.

The head of the global economic forum OECD warned Britain that leaving the European Union would be tantamount to taxing its citizens - another in a growing cavalcade of cautionary advice ahead of a June 23 referendum on membership in the 28-nation bloc.

The warning by Angel Gurria, the secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, came just days after expressions of concern by US President Barack Obama, the UK Treasury and the International Monetary Fund.

He described the notion that Britain might gain a better trade deal outside the union as somewhat fanciful.

Gurria's assessment follows that made by the UK Treasury last week, which determined that leaving the European Union would cost Britain the equivalent of 6,100 US dollars per household.

The estimate was based on an analysis of the long-term costs and benefits of EU membership and its alternatives.

The ever-more dire OECD judgment came the same day that authorities reported Britain's economy slowed in the first three months of the year amid concerns about the global economy as well as the vote on EU membership.

The UK economy grew by a quarter-on-quarter rate of 0.4 percent in January-March, down from 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, the Office for National Statistics said Wednesday.

Services, which comprise 78 percent of the British economy, continued to grow, expanding by 0.6 percent.

But other sectors declined, including construction, mining and manufacturing.

London - 27 April 2016

1. Wide of Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) speaking on stage at the Old Theatre, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

2. Man taking photos

3. Close of audience

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Angel Gurria, Secretary-General, OECD:

"Brexit would, rather like a tax, hit the wellbeing and the pockets of UK citizens. Unlike most taxes, however, this one will not finance the provision of public services or close the fiscal gap. The 'Brexit tax' would be a pure deadweight loss - a cost incurred with no economic benefit. And this tax would not be a one-off levy. Britons would be paying it for many years."

5. Cutaway of audience

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Angel Gurria, Secretary-General, OECD:

"We estimate that in a Brexit scenario, GDP per household in 2030 would be lower than the baseline, that means staying, by at least 3,200 pounds and up to 5,000 pounds in the most pessimistic case."

7. Various of audience

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Angel Gurria, Secretary-General, OECD:

"While no one knows precisely what the costs would be, what is striking about our estimates and those produced by the other institutions, is that all the numbers under a Brexit case are negative. The best outcome under Brexit is still worse than remaining. And the worst outcomes are very bad indeed. Very expensive. The Brexit tax just gets bigger."

9. Wide of stage

10. Cutaway of economist Professor Lord Stern listening on stage

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Angel Gurria, Secretary-General, OECD:

"Our conclusion is unequivocal. The UK is much stronger as a part of Europe and Europe is much stronger with the UK as a driving force. There is no upside for the UK in Brexit. Only costs that can be avoided and advantages to be seized by remaining in Europe. No one should have to pay the Brexit tax."

12. Close of audience

13. Wide of stage

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

UK POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Aviemore - 24 April 2017

1. UK's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn approaching podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"We are standing for the many, not the few. And it is through our collective power in a trade union that we ensure the many standing together have the power to stand up to the rich and the powerful few."

++BLACK FRAMES++

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"The Scottish people are facing a crucial choice in this election: the Tories are trying to use Brexit to turn Britain into a low wage tax haven run in the interest of the powerful; Labour will negotiate a Brexit that will build on the gains won for workers, consumers and the environment in the European Union. We will put jobs, living standards and human rights first."

++BLACK FRAMES++

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"I've been in the trade unions all my life and I will die a trade unionist because that is what I believe in. That is why one of the very first things we will do when forming our Labour government will be to repeal the Tory Trade Union Act."

++BLACK FRAMES++

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"This is a general election, it is not a referendum and only Labour can form a government and offer an alternative that will transform the lives of people in Scotland. The truth is that the Tories and the SNP are obsessed with their power struggles against Brussels and Westminster when the energy should be used to change and transform our economy to ensure that no one and no community is left behind."

++BLACK FRAMES++

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"We will also introduce four new public holidays, giving people the time to lead better and more fulfilling lives, actually helping productivity at the same time, and we will ask for the support of the governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so the same four holidays can be enjoyed across of whole of the United Kingdom."

++BLACK FRAMES++

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Corbyn, Labour Party leader:

"We will create a Scottish National Bank under Scottish control and backed by the National Investment Bank with 20 billion pounds of lending power to deliver the funds to local projects and small businesses, creating work and stimulating the economy. We will aggressively take on the tax avoiders and evaders, starting with making corporations publish the entirety of their tax returns. We will ban zero hours contracts giving new protections to 60-thousand workers guaranteed with no hours at the moment. How can people possibly plan their lives, pay their rent if they have no security of income? Is it right that so many people wake up in the morning, the first thing they do is reach for their phone to check if any texts have come in, not the nice texts we receive from friends, from family or people wishing us well and so on, but to find out if they've got any work that day or not? It is not a right or a fair way of treating people. We will end zero hours contracts, once and for all."

8. Corbyn waving to crowd at the end of speech

STORYLINE:

UK's Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed a trade union conference in Scotland on Monday as part of his opposition party's campaign in the upcoming general election.

In his speech, the opposition leader called the June vote a choice between the powerful and the people and vowed that his party will take care of the interests of all the people of Great Britain.

Corbyn vowed that his part "will negotiate a Brexit that will build on the gains won for workers, consumers and the environment in the European Union" as opposed to the Conservatives that he said "are trying to use Brexit to turn Britain into a low wage tax haven run in the interest of the powerful".

He also used his speech in Aviemore to list some of Labour's campaign pledges such as the revoking of the Trade Union Act, ending zero hours contracts and the introduction of four new public holidays.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

+UPDATED EDIT AND SCRIPT+

FRA BEAUJOLAIS

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

RESTRICTIONS: AP Clients Only

LENGTH: 7:56

SHOTLIST:

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Paris, France - 21 November 2019

1. Various shots of Bernard Roques-Bouges, owner of 'Au Petit Chavignol' brasserie pouring Beaujolais Nouveau wine from cask into glass and testing it

2. Close up Beaujolais Nouveau in glasses

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Saint-Jean-d'Ardieres, France - 12 November 2019

3. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on conveyor belt inside wine producer warehouse

4. Wide of bottling production line

5. Tracking shot of bottle along conveyor belt and General Director of Vinescence wine production company, Jean-Paul Civeyrac, walking towards labelling machine

6. Various of machine sticking labels on bottles

7. Mid of Civeyrac holding up bottle, UPSOUND (French) "So it's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau, then you have the batch name and this indication that the wine comes from an environment-friendly farm."

8. Wide of line of bottles down conveyor belt and employees packing them in cardboard boxes

9. Mid of bottles down conveyor belt with fresh label reading 'Nouveau'

10. SOUNDBITE (French) Jean-Paul Civeyrac, General Director of Vinescence wine production company:

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)."

11. Pan of bottle with fresh label reading 'Beaujolais'

12. Mid of box packed with 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles down conveyor belt to stationing area

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Romaneche-Thorins, France - 12 November 2019

13. Mid of Georges Duboeuf logo on side of warehouse of largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer

14. Tracking shot of Duboeuf President Franck Duboeuf walking across warehouse to last stacks of Beaujolais Nouveau yet to be shipped to clients

15. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Georges Duboeuf wine production company:

"This is the Beaujolais Nouveau that's being shipped to Boulogne and Calais (harbours on the Channel) to our client and then over here, we have another destination with our client (food industry wholesaler) Metro and it will be delivered to Paris."

16. Mid of Duboeuf looking at label on side of Beaujolais Nouveau shipment

17. Wide of Duboeuf standing outside wine shop with logo on façade

18. Pan of Duboeuf arranging bottles on table in front of him

19. Mid of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on table with Duboeuf in foreground

20. Wide of showing bottle of rose

21. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Duboeuf wine production company:

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying."

22. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles produced for French and export markets by Georges Duboeuf wines

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Villie-Morgon, France -12 November 2019

23. Close of Dominique Piron's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles

24. Wide of bottles sitting on top barrel with Piron in background leaning against stack of casks

25. Close of logo for Piron's winemaking company

26. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

27. Mid of Piron during interview

28. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"We're lucky enough to see, in the past two or three years and with this new chapter that we're writing, Beaujolais sales on the increase, at a time when red wine consumption is going down globally in favour of Rose and white wines and with strong competition. Just an example: since the beginning of 2019 and up to the end of last August, the first 8 months of the year, French wine exports have fell by 2 percent. Three regions in France have seen theirs increase. The Loire valley with 4.5 percent, Burgundy at 5.5 percent and Beaujolais at 11 percent."

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Chatillon, France - 13 November 2015

29. Wide of village of Chatillon, home to the Chasselay vineyard

30. Wide of Chasselay vineyard with view of Beaujolais hills

31. Wide of organic vines in row on Chasselay vineyard

32. Pull focus of vine branches

33. Wide of country road with sign showing direction to Chasselay 'Domaine'

34. Wide of Claire Chasselay wheeling boxes of Beaujolais Nouveau to back of van

35. Mid of Chasselay loading boxes into van

36. SOUNDBITE (French) Claire Chasselay, organic wine grower:

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price. It's the same for all agricultural sectors. We're not asking to sell our bottles for 150 euros (166 US dollars) but an appropriate price. Consumers need to be – and I think they are – in a position to realise that they're ready to spend a little more for their wine or their meat or their cheese because they want to drink good quality products."

37. Wide of country road outside Chasselay family estate

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Paris, France - 21 November 2019

38. Various shots of customers inside brasserie during lunchtime cheering and drinking Beaujolais

39. SOUNDBITE (French) Thierry Bobot, Parisian

"For me it's very good. Maybe there is a better one, that's possible, but it's very very good, very pleasant, very light with a very fruity aftertaste. For me, it's perfect but will everybody like it?."

40. Various shots of people drinking Beaujolais

LEADIN:

Celebration is the mot du jour in France’s Beaujolais region, with winemakers and sellers uncorking the season’s Beaujolais Nouveau with feasting and fanfare.

But uncertainty is clouding this year’s festivities as the French wine industry finds itself increasingly squeezed by unfavorable geopolitics and turbulent markets.

STORYLINE:

The wait is over as one of the year's most anticipated wine events is underway.

Parisians are enjoying a taste of the newly released Beaujolais Nouveau, the famous French young red wine whose unveiling is keenly anticipated every year by wine lovers around the world.

The grapes making up the wine in these bottles were harvested by hand only a few weeks ago.

At the Vinescence wine production company, wine was bottled and labelled ready for the market place.

Beaujolais, a region spanning 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Lyon, has spent decades marketing its wines globally.

It now exports to more than 110 countries, according to statistics from Vinescence, which works with 310 winemakers in the area.

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)," says the General Director of Vinescence, Jean-Paul Civeyrac.

An idiosyncratic wine known for its youth, rather than its age, Beaujolais Nouveau has seen particular success.

But considerable uncertainty is clouding this year's celebration, as the French wine industry finds itself increasingly squeezed by unfavourable geopolitics and turbulent markets.

New American tariffs are denting profits. Brexit still looms. Unrest in Hong Kong has shaken that market. And China is turning to Chilean and Argentine wines instead.

The Trump administration imposed the 25 percent import tax on most French still wines last month as part of a trade spat with the European Union over illegal subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

Orders had already been placed, and places on planes or boats reserved, for this year's Beaujolais Nouveau by the time the tariffs took effect.

Producers said they struck up arrangements to shoulder part of the cost themselves — and distribute most of the rest along the supply chain — in order to retain their American clientele.

Franck Duboeuf, president of the largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer in the world, says the recent market developments are worrying.

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying," he says.

On top of the tariffs, uncertainty lingers around future trade with the United Kingdom, which is heading toward an early election December 12 that will determine the future of Brexit.

When and how Brexit takes shape could impact the wine trade down the line.

Changing tastes complicate the picture further.

The Japanese, who were buying a "tsunami" of Beaujolais a decade ago, seem to be losing their appetite for the wine, says the President of Beaujolais winemakers' association Dominique Piron.

Twelve years ago, French winemakers sold one bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau for every 12 inhabitants in Japan — a total of 12 million bottles per year, according to Piron. Now, Japan imports about half that number.

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

Other Beaujolais producers, like organic winemaker Claire Chasselay, are orienting their businesses toward local consumers instead.

The size of winemaking operations in the region has grown with global demand.

Fifteen years ago, 4,000 producers made wine here; now, that number stands at 2,000, according to Piron, as big producers have acquired smaller operations and expanded their reach.

The Chasselay family, which has run vineyards north of Chatillon since the 15th century, has sought to buck that trend.

Chasselay says her philosophy centres around returning to winemaking's roots: small-scale, without pesticides, and focused on producing wine for mainly domestic consumers to pair with good food and lively company.

But she insists that Beaujolais Nouveau producers should not be selling their wine cheaply.

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price," she says.

The Chasselays decided two decades ago to stop spraying with chemicals their vines, pre-empting the preference for organic products that has gripped younger consumers in recent years and placed pressure on winemakers to adapt their growing techniques.

Though they exported 6,000 of the 22,500 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau they sold this year, Chasselay prefers to see her wine on nearby shelves and tables.

This year's Beaujolais Nouveau in now in Paris ( 21 November) being enjoyed by customers in the 'Au Petit Chavignol' brasserie.

Wine lover Thierry Bobot says he is happy with this year's vintage: " For me it's very good. Maybe there is a better one, that's possible, but it's very very good, very pleasant, very light with a very fruity aftertaste. For me, it's perfect but will everybody like it?."

====

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com.

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

LEAD IN:

Celebration is the mot du jour in France’s Beaujolais region, with winemakers and sellers uncorking the season’s Beaujolais Nouveau with feasting and fanfare.

But uncertainty is clouding this year’s festivities as the French wine industry finds itself increasingly squeezed by unfavorable geopolitics and turbulent markets.

STORY-LINE:

The wait is over as one of the year's most anticipated wine events is underway.

Parisians are enjoying a taste of the newly released Beaujolais Nouveau, the famous French young red wine whose unveiling is keenly anticipated every year by wine lovers around the world.

The grapes making up the wine in these bottles were harvested by hand only a few weeks ago.

At the Vinescence wine production company, wine was bottled and labelled ready for the market place.

Beaujolais, a region spanning 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Lyon, has spent decades marketing its wines globally.

It now exports to more than 110 countries, according to statistics from Vinescence, which works with 310 winemakers in the area.

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)," says the General Director of Vinescence, Jean-Paul Civeyrac.

An idiosyncratic wine known for its youth, rather than its age, Beaujolais Nouveau has seen particular success.

But considerable uncertainty is clouding this year's celebration, as the French wine industry finds itself increasingly squeezed by unfavourable geopolitics and turbulent markets.

New American tariffs are denting profits. Brexit still looms. Unrest in Hong Kong has shaken that market. And China is turning to Chilean and Argentine wines instead.

The Trump administration imposed the 25 percent import tax on most French still wines last month as part of a trade spat with the European Union over illegal subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

Orders had already been placed, and places on planes or boats reserved, for this year's Beaujolais Nouveau by the time the tariffs took effect.

Producers said they struck up arrangements to shoulder part of the cost themselves — and distribute most of the rest along the supply chain — in order to retain their American clientele.

Franck Duboeuf, president of the largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer in the world, says the recent market developments are worrying.

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying," he says.

On top of the tariffs, uncertainty lingers around future trade with the United Kingdom, which is heading toward an early election December 12 that will determine the future of Brexit.

When and how Brexit takes shape could impact the wine trade down the line.

Changing tastes complicate the picture further.

The Japanese, who were buying a "tsunami" of Beaujolais a decade ago, seem to be losing their appetite for the wine, says the President of Beaujolais winemakers' association Dominique Piron.

Twelve years ago, French winemakers sold one bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau for every 12 inhabitants in Japan — a total of 12 million bottles per year, according to Piron. Now, Japan imports about half that number.

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

Other Beaujolais producers, like organic winemaker Claire Chasselay, are orienting their businesses toward local consumers instead.

The size of winemaking operations in the region has grown with global demand.

Fifteen years ago, 4,000 producers made wine here; now, that number stands at 2,000, according to Piron, as big producers have acquired smaller operations and expanded their reach.

The Chasselay family, which has run vineyards north of Chatillon since the 15th century, has sought to buck that trend.

Chasselay says her philosophy centres around returning to winemaking's roots: small-scale, without pesticides, and focused on producing wine for mainly domestic consumers to pair with good food and lively company.

But she insists that Beaujolais Nouveau producers should not be selling their wine cheaply.

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price," she says.

The Chasselays decided two decades ago to stop spraying with chemicals their vines, pre-empting the preference for organic products that has gripped younger consumers in recent years and placed pressure on winemakers to adapt their growing techniques.

Though they exported 6,000 of the 22,500 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau they sold this year, Chasselay prefers to see her wine on nearby shelves and tables.

This year's Beaujolais Nouveau in now in Paris ( 21 November) being enjoyed by customers in the 'Au Petit Chavignol' brasserie.

Wine lover Thierry Bobot says he is happy with this year's vintage: " For me it's very good. Maybe there is a better one, that's possible, but it's very very good, very pleasant, very light with a very fruity aftertaste. For me, it's perfect but will everybody like it?."

Paris, France - 21 November 2019

1. Various shots of Bernard Roques-Bouges, owner of 'Au Petit Chavignol' brasserie pouring Beaujolais Nouveau wine from cask into glass and testing it

2. Close up Beaujolais Nouveau in glasses

Saint-Jean-d'Ardieres, France - 12 November 2019

3. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on conveyor belt inside wine producer warehouse

4. Wide of bottling production line

5. Tracking shot of bottle along conveyor belt and General Director of Vinescence wine production company, Jean-Paul Civeyrac, walking towards labelling machine

6. Various of machine sticking labels on bottles

7. Mid of Civeyrac holding up bottle, UPSOUND (French) "So it's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau, then you have the batch name and this indication that the wine comes from an environment-friendly farm."

8. Wide of line of bottles down conveyor belt and employees packing them in cardboard boxes

9. Mid of bottles down conveyor belt with fresh label reading 'Nouveau'

10. SOUNDBITE (French) Jean-Paul Civeyrac, General Director of Vinescence wine production company:

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)."

11. Pan of bottle with fresh label reading 'Beaujolais'

12. Mid of box packed with 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles down conveyor belt to stationing area

Romaneche-Thorins, France - 12 November 2019

13. Mid of Georges Duboeuf logo on side of warehouse of largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer

14. Tracking shot of Duboeuf President Franck Duboeuf walking across warehouse to last stacks of Beaujolais Nouveau yet to be shipped to clients

15. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Georges Duboeuf wine production company:

"This is the Beaujolais Nouveau that's being shipped to Boulogne and Calais (harbours on the Channel) to our client and then over here, we have another destination with our client (food industry wholesaler) Metro and it will be delivered to Paris."

16. Mid of Duboeuf looking at label on side of Beaujolais Nouveau shipment

17. Wide of Duboeuf standing outside wine shop with logo on façade

18. Pan of Duboeuf arranging bottles on table in front of him

19. Mid of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on table with Duboeuf in foreground

20. Wide of showing bottle of rose

21. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Duboeuf wine production company:

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying."

22. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles produced for French and export markets by Georges Duboeuf wines

Villie-Morgon, France -12 November 2019

23. Close of Dominique Piron's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles

24. Wide of bottles sitting on top barrel with Piron in background leaning against stack of casks

25. Close of logo for Piron's winemaking company

26. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

27. Mid of Piron during interview

28. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"We're lucky enough to see, in the past two or three years and with this new chapter that we're writing, Beaujolais sales on the increase, at a time when red wine consumption is going down globally in favour of Rose and white wines and with strong competition. Just an example: since the beginning of 2019 and up to the end of last August, the first 8 months of the year, French wine exports have fell by 2 percent. Three regions in France have seen theirs increase. The Loire valley with 4.5 percent, Burgundy at 5.5 percent and Beaujolais at 11 percent."

Chatillon, France - 13 November 2015

29. Wide of village of Chatillon, home to the Chasselay vineyard

30. Wide of Chasselay vineyard with view of Beaujolais hills

31. Wide of organic vines in row on Chasselay vineyard

32. Pull focus of vine branches

33. Wide of country road with sign showing direction to Chasselay 'Domaine'

34. Wide of Claire Chasselay wheeling boxes of Beaujolais Nouveau to back of van

35. Mid of Chasselay loading boxes into van

36. SOUNDBITE (French) Claire Chasselay, organic wine grower:

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price. It's the same for all agricultural sectors. We're not asking to sell our bottles for 150 euros (166 US dollars) but an appropriate price. Consumers need to be – and I think they are – in a position to realise that they're ready to spend a little more for their wine or their meat or their cheese because they want to drink good quality products."

37. Wide of country road outside Chasselay family estate

Paris, France - 21 November 2019

38. Various shots of customers inside brasserie during lunchtime cheering and drinking Beaujolais

39. SOUNDBITE (French) Thierry Bobot, Parisian

"For me it's very good. Maybe there is a better one, that's possible, but it's very very good, very pleasant, very light with a very fruity aftertaste. For me, it's perfect but will everybody like it?."

40. Various shots of people drinking Beaujolais

LEAD IN:

Last minute preparations are underway in the Beaujolais region ahead of the release of France's most famous young wine.

Beaujolais Nouveau producers are concerned about the impact US tariffs and increased competition will have on their industry.

But it seems the wine itself is tasting good this year.

STORY-LINE:

Production for one of the year's most anticipated wine events is underway.

The grapes making up the wine in these bottles were harvested by hand only a few weeks ago.

At the Vinescence wine production company, wine is being bottled and labelled ahead of the third Thursday of November, when winemakers and sellers are set to uncork the season's Beaujolais Nouveau with feasting and fanfare.

Beaujolais, a region spanning 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Lyon, has spent decades marketing its wines globally.

It now exports to more than 110 countries, according to statistics from Vinescence, which works with 310 winemakers in the area.

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)," says the General Director of Vinescence, Jean-Paul Civeyrac.

An idiosyncratic wine known for its youth, rather than its age, Beaujolais Nouveau has seen particular success.

But considerable uncertainty is clouding this year's celebration, as the French wine industry finds itself increasingly squeezed by unfavourable geopolitics and turbulent markets.

New American tariffs are denting profits. Brexit still looms. Unrest in Hong Kong has shaken that market. And China is turning to Chilean and Argentine wines instead.

The Trump administration imposed the 25 percent import tax on most French still wines last month as part of a trade spat with the European Union over illegal subsidies for the aircraft giant Airbus.

Orders had already been placed, and places on planes or boats reserved, for this year's Beaujolais Nouveau by the time the tariffs took effect.

Producers said they struck up arrangements to shoulder part of the cost themselves — and distribute most of the rest along the supply chain — in order to retain their American clientele.

Franck Duboeuf, president of the largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer in the world, says the recent market developments are worrying.

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying," he says.

On top of the tariffs, uncertainty lingers around future trade with the United Kingdom, which is heading toward an early election December 12 that will determine the future of Brexit.

When and how Brexit takes shape could impact the wine trade down the line.

Changing tastes complicate the picture further.

The Japanese, who were buying a "tsunami" of Beaujolais a decade ago, seem to be losing their appetite for the wine, says the President of Beaujolais winemakers' association Dominique Piron.

Twelve years ago, French winemakers sold one bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau for every 12 inhabitants in Japan — a total of 12 million bottles per year, according to Piron. Now, Japan imports about half that number.

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

Other Beaujolais producers, like organic winemaker Claire Chasselay, are orienting their businesses toward local consumers instead.

The size of winemaking operations in the region has grown with global demand.

Fifteen years ago, 4,000 producers made wine here; now, that number stands at 2,000, according to Piron, as big producers have acquired smaller operations and expanded their reach.

The Chasselay family, which has run vineyards north of Chatillon since the 15th century, has sought to buck that trend.

Chasselay says her philosophy centres around returning to winemaking's roots: small-scale, without pesticides, and focused on producing wine for mainly domestic consumers to pair with good food and lively company.

But she insists that Beaujolais Nouveau producers should not be selling their wine cheaply.

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price," she says.

The Chasselays decided two decades ago to stop spraying with chemicals their vines, pre-empting the preference for organic products that has gripped younger consumers in recent years and placed pressure on winemakers to adapt their growing techniques.

Though they exported 6,000 of the 22,500 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau they sold this year, Chasselay prefers to see her wine on nearby shelves and tables.

Eight days before market day, she loaded one of the season's last orders into her van and drove it 17 kilometers to the wine shop and restaurant of Gaetan Vial in Charbonnières-les-Bains.

Swirling the light red around in his mouth, Vial pronounced it "top-notch."

"It has this fresh aftertaste that makes you want to pour yourself another glass. It has strength in taste and substance, so everything you need," Vial says.

"Yet another good year."

Saint-Jean-d'Ardieres, France - 12 November 2019

1. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on conveyor belt inside wine producer warehouse

2. Wide of bottling production line

3. Tracking shot of bottle along conveyor belt and General Director of Vinescence wine production company, Jean-Paul Civeyrac, walking towards labelling machine

4. Various of machine sticking labels on bottles

5. Mid of Civeyrac holding up bottle, UPSOUND (French) "So it's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau, then you have the batch name and this indication that the wine comes from an environment-friendly farm."

6. Wide of line of bottles down conveyor belt and employees packing them in cardboard boxes

7. Mid of bottles down conveyor belt with fresh label reading 'Nouveau'

8. SOUNDBITE (French) Jean-Paul Civeyrac, General Director of Vinescence wine production company:

"The market for Beaujolais Nouveau like the one you see here is a global market – the first market in the world being Japan. The French market is also very important but you'll find some around the world, from the United States to Northern Europe. Eastern Europe countries also drink a lot (of Beaujolais Nouveau)."

9. Pan of bottle with fresh label reading 'Beaujolais'

10. Mid of box packed with 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles down conveyor belt to stationing area

Romaneche-Thorins, France - 12 November 2019

11. Mid of Georges Duboeuf logo on side of warehouse of largest Beaujolais Nouveau producer

12. Tracking shot of Duboeuf President Franck Duboeuf walking across warehouse to last stacks of Beaujolais Nouveau yet to be shipped to clients

13. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Georges Duboeuf wine production company:

"This is the Beaujolais Nouveau that's being shipped to Boulogne and Calais (harbours on the Channel) to our client and then over here, we have another destination with our client (food industry wholesaler) Metro and it will be delivered to Paris."

14. Mid of Duboeuf looking at label on side of Beaujolais Nouveau shipment

15. Wide of Duboeuf standing outside wine shop with logo on façade

16. Pan of Duboeuf arranging bottles on table in front of him

17. Mid of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles on table with Duboeuf in foreground

18. Wide of showing bottle of rose

19. SOUNDBITE (French) Franck Duboeuf, President of Duboeuf wine production company:

"It's clear that if we didn't have a presence with this year's Beaujolais Nouveau, it could disappear from the (US) market altogether with such important competition and also because it's like a rendez-vous. If you miss the rendez-vous, it could, in following years, jeopardise what you've worked hard to build in 40 years. It was crucial that we save this campaign… in the future, it's the entire 2019 production, an entire region, an entire sector (that are threatened) and it's extremely complicated and worrying."

20. Close of 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles produced for French and export markets by Georges Duboeuf wines

Villie-Morgon, France -12 November 2019

21. Close of Dominique Piron's 2019 Beaujolais Nouveau bottles

22. Wide of bottles sitting on top barrel with Piron in background leaning against stack of casks

23. Close of logo for Piron's winemaking company

24. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"Japan has lowered its taxes on imports but that doesn't mean they're buying more wine. China imports a lot of wine from Chile and Australia with no-tax deals between governments – that's unfair competition. Global wine trade is complicated nowadays especially at a time when competition is fierce. Globally, wine production is in overproduction and there's a tighter funnel when it comes to sales."

25. Mid of Piron during interview

26. SOUNDBITE (French) Dominique Piron, Winemaker and President of Beaujolais winemakers' association:

"We're lucky enough to see, in the past two or three years and with this new chapter that we're writing, Beaujolais sales on the increase, at a time when red wine consumption is going down globally in favour of Rose and white wines and with strong competition. Just an example: since the beginning of 2019 and up to the end of last August, the first 8 months of the year, French wine exports have fell by 2 percent. Three regions in France have seen theirs increase. The Loire valley with 4.5 percent, Burgundy at 5.5 percent and Beaujolais at 11 percent."

Chatillon, France - 13 November 2015

27. Wide of village of Chatillon, home to the Chasselay vineyard

28. Wide of Chasselay vineyard with view of Beaujolais hills

29. Wide of organic vines in row on Chasselay vineyard

30. Pull focus of vine branches

31. Wide of country road with sign showing direction to Chasselay 'Domaine'

32. Wide of Claire Chasselay wheeling boxes of Beaujolais Nouveau to back of van

33. Mid of Chasselay loading boxes into van

34. SOUNDBITE (French) Claire Chasselay, organic wine grower:

"Today, if you really want to make a living we have to stop selling our wines at a low price. We have to sell it at the right price and a price that generates a living wage for the winegrower but also the wine merchant and the restaurant owner. The right price. It's the same for all agricultural sectors. We're not asking to sell our bottles for 150 euros (166 US dollars) but an appropriate price. Consumers need to be – and I think they are – in a position to realise that they're ready to spend a little more for their wine or their meat or their cheese because they want to drink good quality products."

35. Wide of country road outside Chasselay family estate

Charbonniere-les-Bains, France - 13 November 2015

36. Wide of Chasselay holding door of shop as wine shop manager and oenologist Gaetan Vial wheels in boxes of Beaujolais Nouveau

37. Mid of Vial placing boxes along wall at back of shop

38. Mid of cork being pulled out of 2019 Nouveau bottle

39. Mid of wine being poured into glasses

40. Mid of Vial reaching for glass and smelling wine

41. Mid of Vial tasting wine

42. SOUNDBITE (French) Gaëtan Vial, Wine shop manager and oenologist:

"It has this fresh aftertaste that makes you want to pour yourself another glass. It has strength in taste and substance, so everything you need. You also have the taste of the fruit that's typical of Beaujolais Nouveau and it's balanced. It also has this acidity that's very enjoyable and the tannins are supple so.. yet another good year."

43. Mid of Vial talking to Chasselay

44. Mid of reflection of Vial and Chasselay holding glasses inside shop