New Zealand’s most improving markets included the USA, 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; exports here rose 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 product.
New Zealand wine exports reached £450m in 2010 and the industry has a goal of £900m of annual wine exports in 2020.
