WINERIES across South Australia will receive expert support to enter and expand into the growing market in the United States.
Wine Australia’s US Market Entry program matches local producers with US buyers and retailers, expanding local producers’ industry knowledge and connections to secure orders and break into the international market.
The State Government will co-fund a record 30 places, more than any other state, in this year’s program which runs for 12 months from July.
“South Australia has a strong reputation for producing premium wine, and we want the world to know,” said Nick Champion, Minister for Trade and Investment.
“The US is already a crucial market for our wine makers, so we want to ensure even more South Australian producers are tapping into these export opportunities.
“This is another example of how the government is promoting and supporting local industry to succeed on the global stage.”
In the last US Market Entry program, local producers received $1.8m worth of opening orders sales.
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the US is the second-largest destination market South Australian wine exports.
Wine Australia regional manager Americas Aaron Ridgway said more Australian wineries are exporting to the US “than there have been in over 10 years, including at higher price points”.
“We’ve seen fantastic growth with premium wines as Barossa and McLaren Vale shiraz and across a diverse range of regions and varieties,” he said.
“South Australian wine regions of Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek are all experiencing significant growth.”
In the 12 months to December 2022, the state’s wine exports have risen by 43 per cent to $184.9m.
Clare-based Knappstein Wines was “fortunate enough to be successful” in the previous US Market Entry program, according to global sales director Andrew Thiele.
“The 12-month program was very well structured,” he said.
“It was great to have the opportunity to work with the Market Entry team, who are very experienced professionals with invaluable market insights and great industry knowledge and connections.
“We found the program very helpful in navigating through the complexities of the US market and formulating correct long-term strategies for our brand.
“At the end of the program, we have not only shipped some volume of wines that exceeded our initial expectation, but also have commenced a hopefully long-term supply relationship with a partner in the US market.”