New Zealand confirmed number 3 in USA wine market
Surpassing several major wine producing countries, New Zealand has again been ranked the third biggest wine importer
(dollar value) to the USA.
This milestone was first reached in 2016, and statistics from the latest Gomberg Fredrikson Report show New Zealand wine
has achieved it again in 2017.
Last year the total value of New Zealand wine imported to the US reached US$422 million, up 6% on 2016 and surpassed
only by Italy (US$1.9 billion) and France (US$1.8 billion).
New Zealand sits ahead of Australia, Spain, Argentina and Chile.
NZ Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan says it’s an incredible achievement, given New Zealand produces less than 1% of the
world’s wine.
“What began as just a few hundred thousand cases per year in the late 1990s, is now over 7.7 million cases imported to
the US per annum.
“We have a reputation for premium quality and innovation. New Zealand itself is also a vital part of the success, with
our sustainability practices and clean, green image very attractive to consumers, meaning they are prepared to pay a
premium for our wines.”
New Zealand’s varietal offering to the United States is led by Sauvignon Blanc with a strong supporting cast of Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Syrah.
The Gomberg Fredrikson Report shows NZ shipments of red wines to the US grew by 23% in 2017, indicating the quality of
New Zealand reds, and particularly Pinot Noir, is being embraced by trade and consumers.
Overall NZ wine import volumes to the US grew by 5% in 2017.
Owner of the Gomberg Fredrikson Report, Jon Moramarco, says New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc continues to be extremely
popular, with its distinctive style and flavor driving imports.
“Having said that, people are really starting to recognise New Zealand reds, and particularly Pinot Noir. While not
inexpensive, the price point tends to be attractive for such high quality, and it’s something other countries struggle
to compete with.”
New Zealand Winegrowers provides strategic leadership for the New Zealand wine industry and is the body that represents
the interests of all New Zealand’s grape growers and winemakers.
The Gomberg Fredrikson Report looks at month by month and year by year import figures provided by the US Department of
Commerce along with data from US Customs.
The US is the world’s largest and most competitive wine market. It became New Zealand’s largest export market in 2015,
overtaking the UK and Australia.
New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries and is New Zealand’s 5th largest export good. Total exports
reached $1.66 billion in 2017, with the industry working towards a goal of $2 billion in 2020.
ends