New Zealand wine exports hit record high

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 28 January, 2016

New Zealand exported a record £696 million-worth of wine in 2015, according to figures from New Zealand Winegrowers released today.

That represents a substantial 14% uplift on 2014.

The industry is now well on track to reach its goal of £900 million in export sales by 2020, it says.

Wine is New Zealand's sixth most valuable export good, and is sold to over 90 countries around the world.

The UK is currently the second biggest export market for New Zealand wines, and with an average bottle price of £7.37, the country's wines are more focused on the premium end of the market than those from any other wine-producing nation.

Philip Gregan, chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers, said: "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.

"The past year has seen particularly strong growth into the USA, with export value up 26% to $430 million, Canada up 18% to $100 million, and the UK up 12% to $380 million.

"The lower New Zealand currency has assisted the increased returns, but underlying the growth is the very positive reputation of New Zealand wine amongst consumers and the wine trade globally."

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is currently the UK's leading grape variety with an 11% market share, and next month will see the inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration being held in Marlborough to showcase showcase the incredible diversity of the varietal.

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