Australia has seen a small rise in its wine exports in the year ended September 2014 according to the latest Wine Export Approval Report September 2014, released yesterday by the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA).
Total Australian wine exports increased by 0.7 per cent to 688 million litres while total value was steady at A$1.78 billion.
The average value of bottled wine exports also grew by six per cent to A$4.83 per litre, continuing six years of consistent growth and reflecting a slow but increasing demand for wines in the premium category.
In contrast, bulk wine exports fell in value by one per cent to A$1.00 per litre, while bottled wine exports declined by seven per cent to 283 million litres which was offset by an increase in bulk wine exports by seven per cent to 399 million litres.
AGWA’s acting chief executive Andreas Clark said the premium price segments continued to be the strongest performers.
“Growing interest by consumers in premium wines was a contributing factor in wine exports in the A$7.50-$9.99 price segment increasing by eight per cent to 15 million litres and by 6 per cent in the A$10.00 and above segment to 16.7 million litres. Total Australian wine exports increasing in volume were helped in part by the stronger performance of the white wine category which offset declines in red wine," said Clark.
“White wine exports rose by five per cent to 290 million litres while Pinot Gris continued to demonstrate its popularity with drinkers increasing by 32 per cent to 38 million litres while Chardonnay remained flat at 166 million litres.
“Red wine exports fell by three per cent to 383 million litres with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all recording falls.”
For more information on the report, visit the AGWA website.