| Australian wine exports for the 12 month perio from December to November reached a new record annual volume of 749 million litres, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation reports.
According to Sydney Morning Herald the annual exports are now worth $2.8 billion while export volumes continue to grow at between 8 to 10 per cent a year.
Denmark, Sweden and Ireland achieved double-digit growth in imported Australian wine, setting new records for volume and value. Australian wine is now enjoyed in more than 100 countries and Australia is the leading supplier of imported wine to countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.
There is strong export growth to Russia, Asia and Eastern Europe, where there is a move away from spirits towards wine, which is regarded as a healthier drink.
Australia is the world's fifth-largest wine producer, behind France, Italy, Spain and the United States, and the fourth-largest exporter.
However, the prices failed to match volume growth. Due to a worldwide oversupply of grapes between 2004-05 and 2005-06, volume grew by 12 per cent but prices rose by only 2 per cent.
For complete story, visit http://www.smh.com.au |
