Mornington Peninsula wines saw a strong surge in exports volume last year, with a wide range of countries experiencing Australian wines in their own homes.
Australian wine exports, including from the Mornington Peninsula wine region, continued to experience phenomenal growth with 2017 volumes topping 800 million litres and export value experiencing its highest annual growth since 2004 to reach $2.56 billion.
In fact, the Mornington Peninsula region alone saw a 34% increase to 116,000 litres and a 37% increase in export value to $2,401,000.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said Wine Australia's latest Export Report for the 12 months to December 2017 showed drops from down under were experiencing higher demand than ever overseas.
“Australians have long known that our local wine is second to none,” Minister Hunt said.
“It's wonderful to see our wine industry take tremendous strides to make sure the world knows it too.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have so many fantastic local wineries right in our own backyard that create tastes savoured around the world.
Wine Australia's latest Export Report shows that local wine continues to increase in popularity overseas, particularly in Northern Asia.
“In mainland China, Australian wine sales soared by 63 per cent to $848 million over the past 12 months, followed by the United States with $449 million and the United Kingdom with $348 million,” Mr Hunt said.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston said the report showed significant growth in most wine varieties.
“Each of the top five exported wine varieties have recorded significant growth—Cabernet Sauvignon exports increased by 20 per cent to $341 million, while Shiraz rose 18 per cent to $601 million and Merlot went up by 17 per cent to $114 million,” Minister Ruston said.
“As Australian wine exports continue to grow, the Australian Government is right there supporting sellers with the $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.
“This package supports a three-year plan to attract 40,000 more international tourists to Australia's wine regions, injecting an additional $170 million into the national economy, and increase the value of exports to up to $3.5 billion.”
The Wine Australia's Export Report is available at www.wineaustralia.com
For more information on the Export and Regional Wine Support Package visit www.wineaustralia.com/whats-happening/export-and-regional-wine-support-package
Mornington Peninsula specific information can be found at
www.wineaustralia.com/market-insights/australian-regional-export-reports