Marketing Off-trade

New Zealand wine exports hit $2 billion

Global exports of wine from New Zealand have hit the $2 billion-mark for the 12 months to October this year according to New Zealand Wine Growers.
Ongoing strong export performance to over 100 countries has seen an increase of 19% in volume for New Zealand wines for the first four months of the new export year (July to October) over the same time period in 2019.

Ongoing strong export performance to over 100 countries has seen an increase of 19% in volume for New Zealand wines for the first four months of the new export year (July to October) over the same time period in 2019.

Ongoing strong export performance to over 100 countries has seen an increase of 19% in volume for the first four months of the new export year (July to October) over the same time period in 2019. The value of its wine also remains high with the country remaining either the highest- or second highest-priced wine category in its largest two markets, the US and UK, as well as Canada and China.

Sauvignon Blanc remains its flagship export, with Pinot Noir remaining its second most-exported variety. Rosé and Pinot Gris are becoming increasingly popular too reported the Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers Clive Jones.

The impact of Covid-19 on the industry has been mixed as different parts face a range of opportunities and challenges, he said. The increasing costs of production and a potential labour shortage have also added pressure.

“Exports to our key international markets have increased beyond expectations this year but on the other hand wine businesses that sell predominantly through on-premise and wine tourism have experienced significant challenges. Encouragingly in the domestic market, we’re seeing people continue to buy and support local.

“After the industry withstood the 2020 harvest during Level 4 lockdown, we were planning for a worst-case scenario. But instead what we have seen is that while the world has changed in 2020, what has not changed is people’s love for New Zealand wine.”

 

 


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