The volume and value of Australian wine exports declined 9 per cent and 7 per cent respectively in the year ended May 2008, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) reported.
Driving the decline in overall volume were reductions in bulk and soft-pack shipments, which were partially offset by an increase in bottled shipments. Bulk shipments declined by 33 per cent (down 76 million litres) and soft-packs by 41 per cent (6 million litres), while bottled shipments grew 1 per cent (up 8 million litres).
The decline in bulk shipments was accounted for by falling demand in the US, China, Germany, New Zealand and the UK. Countries where demand increased include Canada (up $15 million), Denmark ($12 million), Netherlands ($11 million) and China (A$10 million).