Australian wine exports have grown with 2017 volumes exceeding 800m litres and export value experiencing its highest annual growth since 2004, reaching $2.56bn.
Assistant agriculture minister, Anne Ruston, said Wine Australia’s latest Export Report for the year to December 2017 showed Aussie booze was in high demand overseas.
“It’s wonderful to see our wine industry reinvigorate its exporting efforts to make sure the world knows it too,” Minister Ruston said.
“In mainland China, Australian wine sales soared by 63% to $848m over the past 12 months, followed by the United States with $449m and the United Kingdom with $348m.
“Each of the top five exported wine varieties have recorded significant growth – Cabernet Sauvignon exports increased by 20% to $341m, while Shiraz rose 18% to $601m and Merlot went up by 17% to $114m.”
Ms Ruston said as Australian wine exports continued to grow, the Australian government wanted to support sellers with the $50m Export and Regional Wine Support Package.
She said the package supported a three-year plan to attract 40,000 more international tourists to Australia’s wine regions and increasing the value of exports up to $3.5bn.
The Wine Australia’s Export Report is available here.
