Wine Exports Continue Upward Swing

For Immediate Release
15 October 2004

Wine Exports Continue Upward Swing

Wine exports are continuing their strong start to the year according to data released by New Zealand Winegrowers.

September exports of 4.7 million litres were up 67% on September 2003, which followed growth of 61% in both July and August this year. For the first quarter of 2004/05 exports are 13.5 million litres, 63% up on the same period in 2003.

Commenting on the first quarters’ export performance, New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Officer Philip Gregan said “The consistency of the performance of the first three months of the year is very pleasing, as is the fact that growth is strong into all our major markets. This is exactly the beginning we needed to the year following on from our record harvest. The strong New Zealand dollar is, however, reducing returns per litre of sales which is of concern to the industry.”

Wine exports totaled 31.1 million litres valued at $302.6 million for the year end June 2004. Domestic sales of New Zealand wine in the June 2004 year are estimated to have been 35.5 million litres, valued at over $300 million.

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