NZ: Bulk wine 'hurting industry'
NZ: Bulk wine 'hurting industry'
Apr 18, 2012 6
(Stuff) - The New Zealand wine industry's lack of teamwork is causing growing pains, despite significant growth over the past two decades, according to the latest ANZ Agri-Focus report.
New Zealand's unbranded bulk wine exports had the potential to dominate the country's supply and undermine the reputation and price of bottled wine, as seen in Australia, the report said. Without significant industry collaboration, the New Zealand wine industry faced a similar future.
Among the suggested remedies were a reduction in bulk wine sales, and directing the majority of New Zealand's product towards super-premium markets where high margins could balance the country's high production costs.
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) chairman and Marlborough grapegrower Stuart Smith said many opportunities for collaboration were available, but many smaller wineries were happy operating independently.
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