NZ now the third largest wine importer in the US

Date: 30.03.2017

The value of New Zealand wine imported into the US has grown significantly in the past 12 months

In 2016, the total value of New Zealand wine imported into the US reached US$400 million, now only surpassed by Italy (US$1,960 million) and France (US$1,589 million).

"To be third ranking in terms of value in the world’s largest wine market is outstanding, especially given New Zealand produces less than one percent of the world’s wine,"

Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, says. New Zealand wine, especially Sauvignon Blanc, is very popular in the US and continues to grow at a rate much faster than the total market, said Jon Moramarco, owner of The Gomberg Fredrikson Report.

"The growth doesn’t surprise me, just because of the quality and value of what New Zealand has to offer."

New Zealand wine exports have reached a record high and now stand at $1.61 billion up five percent for the year-end January 2017. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries and is New Zealand’s seventh largest export good.

The US is the world’s largest and most competitive wine market. It became New Zealand’s largest market in 2015 overtaking the UK and Australia.

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