Australian wine exports still falling in UK

UK imports of Australian wine fell by 8.7% in the year to February, according to new figures from the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation.

Volumes were down to 256.2 million litres, while the US - Australia's second most important export destination after the UK - climbed 10.6% to 212.7 million litres.

In value terms, both markets are giving the Australians cause for concern. UK exports were down 18.9% to A$769.5 million while the US was down 23.5% to A$696.9 million.

All of Australia's top seven markets registered declines in value over the period, but there was more encouraging news from China. Volumes rose 28.7% and value by 36.7%, and Hong Kong also increased its Australian wine imports.

The AWBC said: "The volume of wine exports declined 5% to 709 million litres compared to 12 months ago and value fell 16% to A$2.43 billion on the back of an average price decline of 11% to A$3.43 per litre.

"Nevertheless, from the moving annual total of 750 million litres 12 months ago, the MAT bottomed out at 694 million litres five months ago (October 2008) and has since grown to the year-end result this month of 709 million litres.

"Driving the turn-around in the month-on-month, year-end results since October 2008 has been a resurgence of bulk wine shipments, in particular of white wine."

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