Claret-led revolution?
- August 15th, 2007
- Posted by EUEditor
Australian wine producers have marked a pocket revolution celebrating annual export sales of A$3-billion for the first time – led by a surge in demand for red wine in bottles.
The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation said (7.8.07) overall sales for the year to 31.7.07 had also achieved another first – 800 million litres.
Bottled wine had been the leader, and strongest growth was in the United States and Canada, along with the small but growing Chinese market.
As for the European Union, the United Kingdom remained the largest export market for Australia, with newer markets catching up.
As part of the “New World” campaign on world markets and potential markets for wine, the Australian industry this time has made some gains with quality.
Overall sales were up 10% by volume and 8% by value; the bottled reds outstripping the rate of rise, with an extra 30-million litres sold – and an additional 10% rise in value per litre
The rate of increase for bulk wine was slower with the price per litre dropping 9%.
“The shift in product mix, the increased sales of quality wine and strong showing in key markets will help lay the foundations for further sustainable growth,” said John Moore, Chairman of the Corporation.