Australian wine exports have been rising for many years as a result of major quality improvements and substantial marketing expenditure, but the figures for 2002 are particularly impressive, according to the latest data from the Australian Wine Export Council (AWEC) and the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC).
Exports rose in both volume and value terms during 2002, with the UK continuing to lead the way as the biggest market for Australian wines. In value terms, total export sales grew by A$531 million (€291.8m), 30 per cent, to reach a total of A$2.3 billion; volume sales were ahead 96 million litres (26 per cent) to 471 million litres.
"While Australian wine exports have been steadily rising for a number of years, the 2002 calendar year results are a stand-out," said Lawrie Stanford, manager of information and analysis at the AWBC.
"The past year has not been the easiest with fluctuating exchange rates for the Australian dollar, a slower US economy and global uncertainty all potentially affecting trade. In spite of these things, Australian wine exports have grown at a record rate which is very good news."
Stanford added that based on earlier trends, the year-end result was better than had been expected and was in part due to a strong finish to the year, particularly for red wine, and increased sales to the US. The figures show red wine exports grew 34 per cent and accounted for almost three quarters of the volume growth.
AWEC's general manager Jonathan Scott said that sales to the United States were up nearly 64 per cent to A$741 million and now accounted for 32 per cent of Australian wine export sales.
"The investment that Australian producers have made in the US market, together with the strategic alliances and joint ventures forged with US wine companies and importers are certainly impacting positively on our export figures. Our brand strength and quality also remain vital factors in this increasingly important market."
But the UK remains Australia's major overseas destination for wine, taking 39 per cent of the total value of Australian exports, at A$902 million in 2002. The US is closing in on Britain, but Canada remains a distant third with sales of A$150 million.