AUS: Winemakers Federation sets course for future

(ABC) - The Winemakers' Federation of Australia says it's confident it can grow the demand for Australian wine both locally and on the global market.

The federation has released its action plan for the next three years, aimed at making the industry more profitable.

It contains more than 40 recommendations to address issues like oversupply and access to export markets.

Federation president Tony D'Aloisio says it'll help the industry to become more competitive.

"It's not been a general vision document of 20 years, 30 years, this is very much about the next three to five years to get profitability improved," he said.

"Improved profitability will lead to new investment coming into the industry, with new investment we can innovate and grow going forwards."

During the consultation phase, smaller winemakers expressed concern that the draft report's treatment of the Wine Equalisation Tax rebate favoured the larger end of the industry.

Mr D'Aloisio says those concerns have now been addressed.

"I think what the consultations have shown is that the rebate is an important part of the small and medium winemakers business models," he said.

"The changes really go to fine-tuning the WET rebate, not making radical changes to it."

Recommendations aimed at labelling, responsible service at cellar doors and drinking while pregnant are aimed at promoting the industry as responsible.

"We are responsible citizens, and there's a number of actions that go to reinforcing that image.

The chairman of the Small Winemakers of Australia says the industry is united in its acceptance of the report recommendations.