Global ‘renewed interest’ in Australian fine wines

Renewed interest in the Australian wine is now being reflected in rising export figures, according to a report by the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA).

Australia has seen a rise of 3.6% in volume and 3.9% in value of wine exports in the 12 months to the end of March 2015, according to the organisation’s Wine Export Approval Report March 2015.

“Some of the strongest growth is seen in the premium price segments and we’ll be continuing to champion Australia’s finest wines in our global marketing activities”, said AGWA’s CEO, Andreas Clark. “While the above A$7.50 price segment accounts for just 5% of total export volume, the value share is considerably higher at 27%.”

Clark also mentioned the Asia market’s role in increasing demand for higher end wines.

‘Asia continues to be a key driver of growth with more than half of exports in the above A$7.50 per litre segment shipped to Asian markets (up 13%) with the average value of exports to Asia A$18.77 per litre. The biggest Asian market is still China but Japan has also seen strong growth as has emerging Asian markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines.”

Andrew Caillard MW, who established the Australian fine wine classification system, Langton’s agrees in an earlier db article.

“Australia is really making its best wine now. We’re seeing iconic vintages year after year and Asia, especially China, is leading the demand for top-end wine. We’ve always kept our prices competitive too so that buyers know they’re getting excellent wine at a decent price.”