While they will have to increase dramatically to keep pace with Australia’s burgeoning supply of wine, our wine exports continue to set milestones well before best expectations. The latest is the passing of annual A$2 billion in sales, which elevates wine to thirteenth place amongst Australia’s export commodities, displacing cotton in the process. The $2 billion mark has been set just 36 months after the wine industry passed $1 billion in overseas sales. Twenty years ago, wine exports were worth just $13 million. With sales valued at $843 million, the UK remains the largest single export market, followed by the US, Canada, New Zealand and Germany. Behind only France, Italy and Spain, Australia is now the world’s fourth largest exporter of wine. By value, our largest exporters are: Southcorp, BRL Hardy, Orlando Wyndham, Beringer Blass (Fosters), Cranswick Premium Wines, McWilliams Wines, Brian McGuigan Wines, Casella Wines, Yalumba and Simeon.
