The Australian wine industry is taking the world by storm. In fact, 22 million glasses of Australian wine are consumed outside of Australia every day.
Wine exports continue to increase
In the last financial year, Australia’s wine exports grew by 20% to $2.76 billion or 95 million 9 litre case equivalents.
The value of our wine being exported also increased by 9% o $3.24 litre. The biggest contributor to growth came from Northeast Asia which grew by 51% in value.
Australia’s success in export markets is being shared by a range of regions across the country, with 69 of the 127 Australian wine destinations exporting product. Red wine is the beverage of choice, making up 76% of Australia’s wine exports.
Australia shines at global wine events
The popularity of Australian wine overseas has been most evident at the many prestigious events held across the world.
ProWein 2019 was held in Düsseldorf in March this year and attracted over 61,500 visitors from 142 countries. Australia had its largest presence ever at the event with 83 producers including d’Arenberg, McWilliam’s Wines and Tyrrell’s Wines showcasing their new releases. A wide range of Australian wineries also exhibited here for the first time including Shaw + Smith, Masse Felix and Bird in Hand. There was an Australian stand that highlighted the variety of wines we have available and educated visitors with tutored tastings and master classes.
In China, our wineries also shone at the wine fair in Chengdu. This year the Australian contingent doubled with over 50 exhibitors and 80 brands on display. With almost 40% of Australia’s wine exports going to China, the importance of this event was significant to the industry. Wineries from Adelaide Hills, Margaret River, Yarra Valley, Henry and Rutherglen all featured at the show. Visitors experienced the diversity of Australia’s wine sector through a range of master classes, tastings and seminars.
At both events, enquiries came from traditional export markets like China and Germany, as well as new ones including Russia.
These events will be followed by several in the USA later this year. An important export market, the USA will host Australia Decanted in California. This event is a four-day education program for 100 influencers from the local market. This will be followed by both Aussie Wine Week and Aussie Wine Month in September.
With exports on the rise and interest in Australian wine continuing to grow, our wine industry is positioned for a strong year ahead. If you’d like to find out about how you can take advantage of opportunities in Australian wine, get in touch.
