Premium wines have been a major boost to Australian wine exports, which grew by 11 per cent in 2015/2016 as drinkers in North America and Asia, particularly in China, sought higher priced bottles.
Wine Australia’s latest export report shows $1.7 billion of bottles were exported in the year to June, and the average value of bottled exports increased by nine per cent to $5.35 per litre – the highest level since October 2003.
China is creeping up on the US as Australia’s most valuable wine export market as Australian exporters benefit from the countries’ free trade agreement and the middle class’s increased appetite for wine.
Wine Australia said total exports to mainland China lifted by 50 per cent to $419 million in the year to June 30 despite China’s slowing economy.
“This exceptional growth was was aided by the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and the growing Chinese middle class’s increased interest in wine,” Wine Australia said.
The US remains Australia’s biggest export destination for wine by value.
Exports to the US were up by eight per cent to $449 million as the perception of Australia’s premium wineimproves.
The UK, which takes a lot of wine shipped in bulk from Australia, is still Australia’s most significant wine market in volume terms.
Wine Australia’s latest export report shows that Australia’s total wine exports grew by 11 per cent in value to $2.11 billion in 2015/2016 as more higher-priced bottled wine was sold to North America and Asia – particularly China.
