New Zealand Exports To U.S. Market Hit Record High

With the U.S. market’s thirst for New Zealand wines continuing to surge, New Zealand’s total wine exports hit a record high of NZ$1.66 billion ($1.2b) in the 12 months through June on 6% growth, according to the New Zealand Winegrowers trade group. Now the country has set the goal of reaching NZ$2 billion ($1.5b) in exports by 2020.

That target looks doable, considering that U.S. shipments alone have more than doubled since 2011, reaching NZ$517 million ($377m) on 12% growth in the 12 months through June. Fast-rising Kiwi labels like Constellation’s Kim Crawford (+20% to 1.2 million cases in 2016, according to Impact Databank) and Nobilo (+10% to 615,000 cases) as well as Oyster Bay Wines’ namesake brand (+10% to 694,000 cases) have been key contributors to the U.S. category’s rapid development.

In addition to the U.S., the U.K. (+2% to NZ$389m), Australia (+2.5% to NZ$371m) and Canada (flat at NZ$107m) are among the top export destinations for New Zealand wines.—Daniel Marsteller

Tagged : Constellation, Kim Crawford, New Zealand, Nobilo, oyster bay

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