The total value of New Zealand wine industry exports (year to May 2023) is NZD 2.4 billion, up 25 percent from 2022. In 2022 New Zealand was the world's sixth-largest wine exporter by value, despite producing only one percent of the world's wines.
New Zealand Winegrowers reported that substantial export value and increasing international demand would help support further export growth over the next 12 months, despite a challenging season and a smaller harvest than last year.
"Reaching another new record level of wine exports into some of the world's largest and most competitive markets is an outstanding achievement for New Zealand wine exporters and testifies to the increasingly strong global demand for our wines," said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.
"New Zealand wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, is going from strength to strength in the USA, as consumers appreciate the distinctive flavours, commitment to quality, and know it is a unique product they can trust."
This year's vintage will help the industry to meet increasing international demand, and consumers can look forward to some exceptional 2023 New Zealand wines. Nationally, harvest was down six percent on the record level 2022 vintage.
In the South Island, the 2023 vintage was excellent overall and well received by growers, who enjoyed better-growing conditions to complete harvest. On the other hand, unprecedented wet weather made the season challenging for regions in the North Island.
However, despite these challenges, producers were primarily pleased with the quality of the 2023 harvest.
"Regions across the North Island were hit hard by the unprecedented wet weather throughout summer, but their incredible hard work and commitment to producing premium quality wines means that consumers will continue to enjoy the distinctive wines they know and love."
Hawke's Bay's recent inclusion as one of just 12 Great Wine Capitals of the world is of regional and national significance. It showed that while New Zealand's wine-growing industry was still young, New Zealand offers quality to rival the world's oldest.
The success of the 2023 vintage further emphasises the industry's resilience, as surging production costs continue to impact growers and wineries, and the scarcity of skilled workers remains a concern, along with operating in an uncertain economic environment.
Meanwhile, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions worldwide, many in the industry are pleased to see the return of international wine tourists to New Zealand.
People are starting to feel more comfortable travelling internationally, and New Zealand is once again welcoming tourists to New Zealand's shores with open arms.
With over 500 small wineries in New Zealand, the majority of whom only sell domestically, having international visitors arriving at their front door again makes a big difference.
Cellar doors are busy showcasing all that New Zealand's unique wine regions have to offer, and alongside domestic holidaymakers, international tourists will welcome support for wine businesses.
