NZ Wine Co harvest up 44pc

The New Zealand Wine Company said today its 2008 grape crush had risen 44 per cent, with higher yields and rain during the harvest.

The 2008 crush of 3243 tonnes came from the company's owned and leased vineyards and contract growers.

This was a 992 tonne increase from last year's crush of the New Zealand Wine Company's own grapes.

Chief executive officer Rob White said despite higher yields and periods of rain leading into the harvest, the company was able to manage the extra volume.
 
"We are happy that the vintage will provide the quality and quantity of wine required to meet our export led growth," White said.

White also said the company was in a good position to take advantage of its CarbonZero status in extending its brand internationally.
 
In September 2006, the NZAX-listed firm became the world's first CarbonZero certified wine company, and has been working closely with Landcare Research to ensure the sustainability of its products.