As the New Zealand liquor industry continues to rebuild after COVID-19, we asked executives to reflect on 2023 and share their insights for the year ahead.
Philip Gregan
CEO, New Zealand Winegrowers
“As we embrace the start of 2024, our members are gearing up for harvest across New Zealand’s wine regions. With an increasingly diverse range of varieties, our wine continues to lead the way on the global stage.
A focus on sustainability has always been an integral part of the New Zealand wine industry. Consumers can trust that their bottle of New Zealand wine has been made with respect for the natural world and its people. Sustainable Winegrowing NZ (SWNZ) is widely recognised as a world-leading sustainability programme and was one of the first to be established in the international wine industry.
Since its inception, SWNZ has had to go where there is no blueprint, to re-invent, and redefine its role in how winegrowers measure and report their impact on the planet. Ninety-six percent of New Zealand’s vineyard-producing area is SWNZ certified, and 10% also operate under recognised certified organic programmes.
This year we are working on the industry’s Roadmap to Carbon Zero 2050. This important work will help to navigate the way for our members, and firmly keep our position as one of the world’s favourite wine regions into the future.
At the end of 2023, our annual blind-tasting was held in Hawke’s Bay, with almost 1,000 wines submitted. The increase in wines since 2022, along with a rise in varietal diversity, is an indicator of the maturity of our industry.
We had record exports in 2023, and while that has slowed in recent months due to supply chain issues, our unique flavour and distinctive wines continue to grow in popularity around the world – 85 glasses of wine are sold every second of every day in over 100 countries!
New Zealand Wine leads several global initiatives to keep New Zealand top of mind with market influencers, including participation at Prowein in March.
Sitting at the edge of the world can present challenges with the cost of international travel for our members, so we are looking forward to the return of the Pinot Noir New Zealand conference to be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in February 2025.
The three-day event will celebrate and explore Pinot Noir with industry experts, trade delegates, and international media.”
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