NEW
ZEALAND WINEGROWERS 2006 ANNUAL RESULTS SHOW STEADY
GROWTH
Persbericht
Export earnings exceed $500 million for the first
time
· Achieved total wine sales of more than 100 million litres in domestic
and export markets
· A record 2006 grape harvest of 185,000 tonnes
With strong sales growth, driven by international
interest in Sauvignon Blanc, the New Zealand wine
industry exceeded export earnings of $500 million,
according to the New Zealand Winegrowers 2006 Annual
Report, released today.
The New Zealand wine industry has grown steadily
in the year-ending 31 June 2006, with total sales
of more than 100 million litres of wine and a record
harvest of 185,000 tonnes of grapes.
New Zealand Winegrowers Chair, Brian Vieceli,
said the wine industry had achieved solid growth
in key export markets while also growing emerging
markets such as Japan, Holland and
Ireland.
“We can feel confident from the achievements
in the past year, which include strong sales, new
markets and increased marketing efforts.
“The record 2006 harvest will give us wine
volumes to consolidate our presence in new markets
and continue supply of our top three markets including
the UK, USA and Australia. Forecasts indicate we
will grow exports from around 60 million litres
in 2006 to over 70 million litres in 2007, but
still face unfulfilled market demand,” he
said.
While industry projections and surveys show strong
indications of sales growth and positive future
prospects, Vieceli said it’s not without
challenges.
“The industry faces a number of challenges
in the form of currency fluctuations, climbing
Government taxes, a tough retail environment and
rising input costs,” he said.
Looking ahead, Vieceli said the industry is on-track
to be a major export earner with export earnings
over $1 billion by 2010, making it one of the largest
export industries in New Zealand.
“We have an ambitious growth strategy which
must be sustainable for the future of the industry.
This will be achieved through the industry working
together, producing premium quality wine, innovative
technology advances, excellent marketing initiatives
and hard work,” he said.
Highlights and Milestones
June 2006 The value of exports was $512 million
for the year-end June 2006, up 18% per cent on
$435 million for the year-end June 2005.
May 2006 The 2006 grape harvest set a new record
for the industry at 185,000 tonnes, up 11 per cent
of the previous mark of 165,000 tonnes set in 2004.
June 2006: Vineyard plantings are expected to
reach 30,000 ha in 2010, up from the current producing
area of 22,000 ha.
June 2006: Pinot Noir exports grow 55% and overtake
Chardonnay as our second most exported wine style
