The Economics of Everyday Things 51. Wine Corks
Jun 10, 2024
Delve into the history and significance of cork production, the challenges faced by the cork industry, innovative solutions to cork taint in the wine industry, the growth of trees and trends in the wine cork industry, and the economic and environmental benefits of cork recycling.
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Ancient Harvesting Sound
- Cork harvesting involves cutting into cork oak trees to remove a bark layer, a sound unchanged for millennia.
- Amorim Cork, the largest cork producer, turns this bark into various products, but wine corks are a major focus, generating substantial revenue.
Cork's Market Share Decline
- While cork is a major player in the wine business, alternative closure methods like screw caps are gaining traction.
- This competition impacts cork's market dominance, highlighting its vulnerability despite historical prevalence.
Cork's Wine Connection
- Cork's use in wine closures started in 17th-century France, driven by the need for better wine preservation.
- Dom Pérignon, a monk, is credited with pioneering this practice, solidifying the link between wine, glass, and cork.