Free Subscription

  • Access daily briefings and unlimited news articles

Premium

Only $39.95 per year
  • Quarterly magazine and digital
  • Indepth executive interviews
  • Unlimited news and insights
  • Expert opinion and analysis

Aussie wine exports surge

Australian bottled wine exports have jumped to their highest value since 2011 on the back of increased demand from Asia.

Bottled exports of Aussie plonk surged 16 per cent in the 12 months to March 31 to $1.7 billion, the highest in five years, industry body Wine Australia says.

The total value of wine exports, including bulk products, grew 13 per cent to $2.1 billion in the same period.

“It is very pleasing to see the increasing demand for premium Australian wines, particularly in Asia,” Wine Australia chief executive Andreas Clark said.

In the year to 31 March, where the variety appeared on the label, 72 per cent of these were single varietal wines. Single varietal bottled exports grew by 14 per cent to $1.1 billion.

Accounting for 70 per cent of the value of varietal-labelled exports, the top five most exported varieties were Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend and Merlot.

wine

Exports to Japan increased by 10 per cent to $45 million, while exports to South Korea increased by 51 per cent to $13 million, the highest annual value since December 2008 and just short of the $15 million peak, which was achieved earlier in 2008.

The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) has not been in full impact, and so it cannot be taken into account in the Asian surge of demand, but Australian exports to mainland China grew by 64 per cent to $397 million over the 12 months.

The inclusion of $129 million of exports to Hong Kong makes China the largest market for Australian wine exports.

You have 3 free articles.