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New Zealand vintage down 9%

Published:  12 June, 2017

A smaller than expected New Zealand vintage has been forecasted thanks to troublesome weather conditions.

The results of the 2017 Vintage Survey, released today from New Zealand Winegrowers, showed that harvest totalled 396,000 tonnes - down 9% on last year.

The smaller vintage is likely to have an impact on export volume growth over the coming year, the association’s CEO Philip Gregan, said.

“Given strong demand in overseas markets wineries had been looking forward to a larger harvest this year. With the smaller vintage however, export volume growth is likely to be more muted in the year ahead.”

Although the summer weather was positive overall, there were some “challenges” as the season progressed.

Wineries are “generally positive” about the vintage quality Gregan said, adding that he was confident the 2017 vintage would produce the fruit flavours “that New Zealand wine is renowned for”.

“The ultimate test will be how the market reacts to the wines when they are released. At this stage we are confident the 2017 vintage wines will add to New Zealand’s reputation as a premium producer of cool climate wines.”

New Zealand wine is currently exported to over 90 countries and wine exports are currently valued at $1.65 billion per annum.

Wine is New Zealand’s fifth biggest export good.

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