2 minute read
SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
Philip Gregan CEO, NZ Winegrowers
International demand for New Zealand wine shows no sign of slowing, with total export value reaching a record $1.83 billion this year, as wine lovers all over the world continued to explore our diverse range of wine varieties and styles. This year’s export results again reflect the New Zealand wine industry’s strengths, and reinforce our international reputation for high-quality, diverse and sustainable wines.
In September, the New Zealand wine industry celebrated 200 years since the very first grape vines were planted into New Zealand soils, by Reverend Samuel Marsden at Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. This was a chance of us to pause and reflect on the past, and look to the future. The New Zealand wine industry is dedicated to ensuring that we celebrate another 200 years, through a commitment to sustainability and innovation that will protect the places that make our famous wines. Over 98% of New Zealand’s vineyard producing area is now Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) certified – and this is unmatched by any voluntary scheme around the world. But it does not mean we can take it easy. Consumers demand to know where their product came from, from grape to glass. As an industry we need to not only meet the international standards for sustainability practices, but continue to exceed them. This will require a clearer purpose and sharper focus. The industry has risen to the challenge and is currently undertaking a review of the SWNZ programme, to ensure we enjoy future success in the decades to come.
A warm summer contributed to a superb 2019 vintage for New Zealand’s wine regions, and although it was smaller than anticipated, the quality of the harvest was deemed as exceptional from top of the North to bottom of the South Island. However, a succession of smaller vintages has impacted growers in some regions, as they face rising production costs. Meanwhile, the Brexit saga continues. The UK is New Zealand wine’s largest market by volume, and we have encouraged our members to retain extra stock in market in case there are supply constraints, and maintain a close relationship with their importers.
New Zealand winemakers are becoming increasingly innovative, thinking outside the box in terms of exploring different winemaking techniques. I wrote last year about the phenomenal success story that has been the wine style Rosé. Well, the demand has only increased, and it is now our fourth largest exported style. More and more wineries are planting grapes intentionally to make great quality Rosé, which will add further to our reputation for producing a premium product.
