UK buys more Western Australian wine
The United Kingdom has re-gained its position as the biggest importer of Western Australian wine. Recent figures from the Department of Agriculture and Food show the UK market continues to look to Western Australia for fine wines. In 2009/10 China was WA’s biggest importer of wine, purchasing A$8.05 million worth, compared to the UK’s A$6.74 million. But in 2010/11 the value of the United Kingdom wine imports from WA stabilised at A$6.7 million dollars which in that year was almost 4 per cent above the imports into China.
Trade and Investment Manager (Food, Beverage and Agriculture) Aurore Humphreys says the fact that UK market remains consistent despite the relatively flat UK economy reflects the state’s increasing reputation for excellent quality wines.
“Western Australian wine is synonymous with the best wines in the world now. Step into almost any liquor store in the UK now and you are likely to find a bottle of Western Australian wine.
“It’s great news for the local industry and for Western Australia’s reputation internationally.” she said.
Germany and Denmark were listed as Western Australia’s 8th and 9th most significant wine export markets.
The news comes as more than a dozen WA wines took out gold medals at the 2011 International Wine Challenge. 13 Western Australian wines were awarded the top prize from a field of more than 10,000 entrants. For more information on the winning Western Australian wines click here.
In the agri-food market, The Netherlands moved into position as the State’s 5th biggest importer of products across the board with a massive surge in the amount of Canola being imported. It also began importing WA Cheese, and the combination moved it from its position as 42nd largest importer of agri-food products from WA in 2009/10 to 5th in 2010/11.
