Piedmont reds are particularly popular, with Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera taking the lion's share. Businesses were updated on the developments in the market at a conference in the northern Italian Piedmont town of Alba on "Norway: an extraordinary market for Piedmont's red wines". It was organised by the Wines of Piedmont consortium,and discussed the opportunities and difficulties of the Norwegian market and the government monopoly on alcohol sales which represents a barrier to entry.
  Italy's ambassador to Oslo, Giorgio Novello, said relations between the countries, including economic links, had improved with a balance of trade in Italy's favour and a turnover above pre-crisis levels. He explained the business support offered by the Italian diplomatic network for institutional assistance, information and economic data. (AGI) .