Australian wine exporters and domestic-focused wine producers are set to see changes through the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement (A–EU FTA) and a new Australia–European Union Wine Agreement (Wine Agreement).
In February, Australia’s premium wines took centre stage in South Korea as part of the eighth Taste the Wonders of Australia market activation, delivered by the Australian Food and Wine Collaboration Group.
Applications are now open for a new bursary giving Australian grape and wine professionals aged 35 and under the opportunity to attend the Institute of Masters of Wine International Symposium 2027, one of the world’s most influential forums for wine education, ideas and debate.
Wine Australia has announced the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association, McLaren Vale Wine Region and Riverland Wine will deliver this year’s Next Crop program, equipping emerging leaders with practical skills, networks and confidence to support the long-term resilience and success of the grape and wine sector in those regions.
Wine Australia has announced the engagement of Map of Ag Australia to build the digital platform for the National Vineyard Register that aims to provide a nation-wide resource to support balancing supply and demand and industry initiatives.
Japan is a significant market for Australian wine, ranking as the eighth biggest export destination by volume and value. In the 12 months ended March 2019, exports to Japan grew by 16 per cent to reach a record $55 million.
Japan is by far the second biggest wine market in Asia behind mainland China. The International Wine and Spirit Record (IWSR) reports that 39.5 million cases of wine were sold in Japan in 2016, compared to 157 million cases in mainland China and 3.8 million cases in third-placed Hong Kong.