New Zealand wine exports reach record $1.5 billion high

New Zealand wine exports have reached a new record high of $1.54 billion for the 2015 year, up 14% on 2014 according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wines are exported to more than 90 countries. The wine is New Zealand’s 6th largest export good. New Zealand wine exports reached $1 billion in 2010 and the industry has a goal of $2 billion of annual wine exports in 2020.

“The new record level of wine exports is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters and testifies to the strong global demand for our wines.

The past year has seen particularly strong growth into the USA, with export value up 26% to $430 million, Canada up 18% to $100 million, and the UK up 12% to $380 million. The lower New Zealand currency has assisted the increased returns, but underlying the growth is the very positive reputation of New Zealand wine amongst consumers and the wine trade globally.

Achieving the $1.5 billion record means the industry is well on track to achieving exports of $2 billion by 2020” (Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers).