New Zealand wine exports up 10%

New Zealand’s wine industry is on track to reach its target of $2 billion of exports by 2020, according to chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, Steve Green.

New Zealand Winegrowers’ annual report shows exports have risen 10% in the last year, to just under $1.6 billion. This is the 21st consecutive year the industry has experienced significant export growth.

Green (pictured) said: “The on-going progress towards the $2 billion goal is founded on our reputation as a wine exporter of the first rank, known for crafting and marketing distinctively New Zealand, high quality, high value wines.

“This continued strong performance is testament to underlying market and consumer demand for our wines in key markets,” he said.

With demand strong the improved supply from vintage 2016 is expected to lift export volumes by a further 10% over the next 12 months.

The 2016 annual report is available at: http://www.nzwine.com/media-centre-1/statistics-information/