Welsh government urged to learn from NZ wine industry

Published: 21 July, 2010

Committee likens Wales to New Zealand's north island

Wales should promote its wine, cider and beer industries to mirror the success of countries like New Zealand, according to a committee of National Assembly members.

Wales should promote its wine, cider and beer industries to mirror the success of countries like New Zealand, according to a committee of National Assembly members.

A plan is needed to realise the economic potential of the homegrown drinks industry, the cross party rural development sub committee said in a report.

Committee Chair Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "The key message that this inquiry has highlighted is that what is potentially an extremely lucrative industry for Wales is hugely under-developed and in need of direction."

He said people only needed to look at the examples of wine in New Zealand, whisky in Scotland and Guinness and Baileys in Ireland to see the economic impact a well-marketed drinks industry with a strong national identity could have.

The report recommended setting up a 'made in Wales' emblem for wine, beer, cider and spirits that will promote quality and origin.

Likening Wales to New Zealand's north island in terms of climate and soil, the committee urged the Welsh government to learn from the New Zealand wine industry. The members said New Zealand wineries have seen massive growth over a short period of time and Welsh wine could follow suit.

The report also wants the Welsh government to lobby Whitehall to introduce a progressive duty for wine producers in a bid to boost the development of small vineyards.

Other recommendations include streamlining the current "inconsistent" planning and licensing rules across Wales. Penarth Vineyard told the committee that different planning rules and a lack of engagement by councils had limited them to growing grapes and selling wine and had prevented them from developing tourism and restaurant opportunities.

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