Top drops boost SA’s export fortunes as buyers seek premium wines

The value of the state’s wine exports has grown by about 7 per cent over the past year, amid increasing interest in the country’s top drops.

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The value of the state’s wine exports has grown by about 7 per cent over the past year, amid increasing interest in the country’s top drops.

Wine Australia’s data shows while the total volume of wine exported across the country was down slightly in the year to March, its value had still grown by 5 per cent.

The value of South Australian wine exports has increased 7 per cent over the past year.

The figures show SA played a huge part in the increasing value of wine exports, accounting for almost half of the country’s total 814 million litres sent offshore.

The state followed the nationwide trend, with export volumes down 3 per cent — but their value still accounted for $1.7 billion of the $2.8 billion in exports from across Australia.

The country’s average value per litre climbed to $3.41 — the highest level since 2009.

Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark

Wine Australia chief executive officer Andreas Clark said the growth in export values was “extremely positive” for the sector.

“What we are seeing is a drop in volumes in the lower value categories and this places Australia well as the global consumer … drinks less but more expensive wines’, Mr Clark said.

China took in almost half of the bottled wine exported from SA; other big buyers including the UK, Canada and US.

Mr Clark said Australian wine supplies would remain tight, with much of the 2018 vintage yet to hit the market and this year’s harvest expected to be below the long-term average.

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