By Annette Shailer
Australian wine producers are to benefit from a trade agreement signed between the European Union and Australia in Brussels on December 1.
The agreement will allow Australian winemakers improved access to our largest export market, Europe, through simpler labelling requirements for Australian wine and simpler arrangements for the approval of winemaking techniques.
Australian producers agreed not to use more than 2500 European names including Champagne, sherry and tokay.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, welcomed the agreement he believes will protect Australian winemakers’ access to the valuable market.
“This shows Australian wines have such a strong global reputation that they don’t need to hide behind European names – they can market themselves independently,” Burke said.
“This agreement will help to ensure Australian wine continues to be enjoyed the world over.”