By Amy Looker
The UK remains Australia’s biggest wine export market, increasing by three per cent in 2012 according to a report released by Wine Australia.
The Wine Export Approvals Report December 2012 revealed that Australian wine exports grew in both average value and volume last year despite the strong Australian dollar.
While the UK came in as the largest export destination, it was closely followed by the USA, up nine per cent, Canada, down four per cent, China, up seven per cent and Germany, down eight per cent.
Wine Australia chief executive, Andrew Cheesman, said the continued growth in the average value of Australian wine exports was positive news for Australia’s wine industry.
"Australian wine exports delivered a solid performance in some of our key markets last year and, as global supply is tightening, we believe there are signals for cautious optimism," Cheesman said.
"We are confident that with the high quality of wine being produced at all price points, the sector can continue to achieve growth in emerging markets and benefit from a ‘second life cycle’ in some of the more mature markets."
Cheesman said that China consolidated its position as the biggest destination for Australian bottled exports above A$7.50 per litre, ahead of Canada and the US, while the average value of Australian bottled wine exports to China was above that of France.
"Wine Australia continues to work closely with wine producers to identify and maximise the environment for sustainable demand for Australian wine," Cheesman said.
"In addition to generating growth in emerging markets such as China, we also need to build stronger demand at more sustainable price points in some of our more mature markets including the UK and USA."
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