By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
The Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA) is calling upon the wine industry to contribute to a strategic plan that it hopes will add value to both grape and wine businesses across the country.
AGWA chair, Brian Walsh, said that input from Australia’s wine community was vital to the success of the five year plan, which it will have before the Minister for Agriculture by the end of April.
In a bid to stimulate conversations across the wine industry, AGWA has released a discussion paper identifying two strategic priorities – increasing demand and the premium paid for Australian wine, and increasing competitiveness.
“The Australian Grape and Wine Authority believes that it is time to refocus on our wonderful fine wines and what makes them special, and to tell the world about it. We are developing a five-year strategic plan that captures our priorities, and we want the Australian wine community to provide its input,” Walsh said.
“Through our new strategic plan, we are working to add value to grape and wine businesses and to ensure the success of Australian wine for the whole wine community. We want to know what your priorities are for Australian wine over the next five years. We invite you to help develop our plan and have your say in determining our strategic priorities and activities over the next five years.”
Interested parties can contribute by contacting either the Wine Grape Growers Australia or the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, or by providing a written submission by 20 February 2015.
“Let us know what research and development and market development activities will help increase your competitiveness over the next five years and help you build a more sustainable business.”
The discussion paper and details for submitting feedback are on AGWA’s website.