Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) has welcomed the Coalition’s election commitment to invest $4m over the next four years to extend the Wine Exports Grants program.
The program is administered by Wine Australia and AGW’s Chief Executive Tony Battaglene said the commitment was welcome news for Australia’s wine exporters.
“After the lockdowns and travel restrictions caused by Covid-19, and the disappointment of the closure of the Chinese market, Australian wine exporters are keen to get on the with job of finding new opportunities and diversifying their exports” said Battaglene.
“This kind of investment helps small and medium wine producers to get back in front of consumers and buyers, allowing them to do what they do best in showcasing Australia’s finest wines across the globe.
“The benefits of this commitment would flow right along the supply chain and into the regional communities that span Australia’s 65 distinct wine regions.”
Under the commitment, the Wine Exports Grants program would be extended, with the new round to kick-off on 1 July 2022. Reimbursements of up to $25,000 would be provided to eligible businesses which have undertaken a range of expenses associated with their efforts to promote their wines overseas, including specific travel expenses, the costs of providing free samples, participation in trade fairs and in-store promotions, and marketing and advertising.