Wine Exports Jump with 2004 Vintage

For Immediate Release 7 September 2004

Wine Exports Jump with 2004 Vintage

Following release of the first wines from vintage 2004 wine exports have surged in the first two months of the 2004/05 year according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

“July and August have both seen new records set for monthly wine exports”, Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers, said today.

“Exports in July were 3.7 million litres, 62% ahead of last year - a new record for monthly exports. August exports were even higher, 5.1 million litres, 63% ahead of August 2003, and the first time exports have exceeded 4 million litres in one month.”

Mr Gregan said the rapid export growth had been anticipated by the wine industry. “Following on from the record 2004 vintage we were expecting very rapid international sales growth this year. Our most recent projections are that exports will be around 45 million litres for the year ending June 2005; so shipments of nearly 9 million litres, in the first two months of the year, are a very positive start for the industry.”

Wine exports totaled 31.1 million litres valued at $302.6 million for the year end June 2004. Domestic sales of New Zealand wine in the June 2004 year are estimated to have been 35.5 million litres, valued at over $300 million.

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