The United States is still the number one export destination for Australian wine says a new report by Wine Australia.
Measuring Australia’s top export markets by value, the US remains on top with exports to the country worth a total AUD $442 million between April 2015 – March 2016. This was a 4 per cent increase on the previous corresponding 12 months.
China continues to grow as a valuable wine export market for Australia, it overtook the UK as the second most valuable wine export market for the year. From April – March 2016 wine exports to China were valued at AUD $397 million, a 64 per cent increase on the prior 12 months.
The UK is now the third most valuable market worth AUD$373 million, a one per cent increase on the previous year.
Wine Australia CEO, Andreas Clark, said it was very pleasing to see increasing demand for Australian wine, especially by Asian consumers.
“Bottled wine exports grew by 16 per cent to AUD$1.7 billion, the highest value in five years,” Clark said.
“There was growth in bottled exporters at all price points, but growth was strongest at the higher end,” she said.
Exports above AUD $10 per litre increased 32 per cent to AUD$492 million which Wine Australia says is a record level for wines in this segment.
Free trade agreements helping wine exporters
The report revealed solid growth in three markets where recent fair trade agreements had been made with Australia. These countries are:
Japan: Exports to Japan increased by 10 per cent to be worth AUD$45 million. There was reported encouraging growth within the premium wines category. South Korea: Exports to South Korea increased by 51 per cent to AUD$13 million. This is the highest annual value since December 2008. China: Although Chinese exports jumped by 64 per cent, the effect of the new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement could result in even further growth as the agreement was only in effect for four months of the research period.
Australia’s top five most exported wine varieties
The top five most exported wine varieties account for 70 per cent of all varietal-labelled exports (wines made mainly from the one variety of grape). These wines are:
Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon blend Merlot
Shiraz exports grew by 19 per cent to AUD$452 million at an average value of AUD$6.30 per litre.
