Australia’s wine exports have seen a small increase in the year ended September 2014, according to a report released by the Australian Grape and Wine Authority (AGWA).
The latest Wine Export Approval Report September 2014 points to a 0.7 per cent rise in wine exports, increasing the amount of wine exported to 688 million litres.
Total export value remained steady at $1.78 billion, while the average value of bottled wine exports grew by 6 per cent to $4.83 per litre. The rise in value continues consistent growth shown in the last six years.
Bottled wine exports saw a 7 per cent drop at 283 million litres, an amount offset by a 7 per cent rise in bulk wine exports (399 litres).
Andreas Clark, AGWA Chief Executive, said the rise in premium wines played a hand in overall growth.
“Growing interest by consumers in premium wines was a contributing factor in wine exports in the $7.50-$9.99 price segment increasing by 8 per cent to 15 million litres and by 6 per cent in the $10.00 and above segment to 16.7 million litres.” Ms Clark said in a media release.
Ms Clark said the rise in white wine exports offset the decline in red wine export numbers.
“White wine exports rose by 5 per cent to 290 million litres while Pinot Gris continued to demonstrate its popularity with drinkers increasing by 32 per cent to 38 million litres while Chardonnay remained flat at 166 million litres.
“Red wine exports fell by 3 per cent to 383 million litres with Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot all recording falls.”
