Record for New Zealand wine exports

Exports of New Zealand wine have reached a record high of £690 million for 2015, a 14% leap on the previous year.

Pinot Noir plantings in Central Otago, New Zealand (Photo: Wiki)

The country’s most improving markets included the US, where the value of its exports grew 26% to £207m, and Canada, which witnessed an 18% rise to reach £45 million.

The UK market for New Zealand wine also grew, with exports here rising 12% to £171 million.

While acknowledging favourable currency conditions for exporters, Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, said: “underlying the growth is the very positive reputation of New Zealand wine amongst consumers and the wine trade globally.”

“The new record level of wine exports is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters and testifies to the strong global demand for our wines,” he said.

New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and wine is New Zealand’s 6th largest export good.

New Zealand wine exports reached £450m in 2010 and the industry has a goal of £900m of annual wine exports in 2020.

Next week New Zealand Winegrowers will host over 300 wine producers, writers and experts from 18 countries in Marlborough for the first ever International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration.

Later in the week around 80 wine influencers will then journey on to Gisborne to take part in New Zealand’s first Sparkling and Chardonnay Symposium.