New Zealand wine exports grow 9.2%

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 30 April, 2014

New Zealand wine exports topped NZ$1.3 billion annually for the first time in March, up 9.2% on the previous year, according to figures from Statistics New Zealand.

In the UK, the value of New Zealand wine exports has grown 12.7% from NZ$275 million in the year to March 2013 to NZ$310 million in the year to March 2014.

2013 saw a bumper harvest of 345,000 tonnes of grapes, up significantly from the low 2012 harvest, and the 2014 vintage is also tipped to be around 15% bigger than 2013.

The report showed that the value of wine exports in March 2014, compared with March 2013 month, rose by NZ$30 million (31%), with quantities up 30%, led by still white wine. The county's signature grape Sauvignon Blanc accounts for around 85% of exports.

The report also showed that while China is leading the way on a range of New Zealand products for export, the UK saw the value of its imports rise $56 million, to $212 million, led by wine and sheep meat.

Marlborough vines Marlborough vinesNew Zealand wine exports are up 9.2% to NZ$1.3 billion in the year to March 2014, according to a report from Statistics New Zealand.

New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan said: "We expect further strong growth in the year ahead when the 2014 vintage wines are released.

"The very robust export performance over the past 12 months reflects the continued demand in key markets and increased availability of the wine from the 2013 vintage."

Sarah Shepherd of the UK office of New Zealand Winegrowers told Harpers.co.uk: "This strong value growth in the UK is a positive sign of consumers continuing affection and loyalty to New Zealand wines. We are delighted that the trade and consumer activities we have engaged in over the past year have helped to ensure New Zealand wines continued success in the important UK market."

Looking at the 2014 harvest, crops are up 15% on last year, with global exports rising around 5%. "In 2012 we had a shortfall and in 2013 wineries were getting back into balance. It's important we can supply that increasing demand," New Zealand Winegrowers European marketing manager Chris Stroud told harpers.co.uk recently.

UK volume sales are up 6% (Nielsen MAT February 2014), and 5% by value. Current average price for New Zealand wine in the UK is almost £2 ahead of the average at £7.20 and it is seeing strong growth in the +£6 price points, Stroud said.

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