Wine exports hit record

NZ wine exports have reached a record level keeping the industry on track to achieve its target of $1 billion of exports annually by 2010.

For the year ending 30 June 2008, offshore sales of 88.6 million litres of wine totalled $800 million, up 14% on 2007.

New Zealand Winegrowers says domestic sales of New Zealand wine brought total overseas and domestic sales for 2008 to $1.25 billion.

NZ Winegrowers chairman, Stuart Smith, says a focus on quality and a strong, unified industry were major factors in the 2008 result and the ongoing success of New Zealand wine.

"Each year we have made projections about sales and growth and each year these are fulfilled and often surpassed. This year is no exception."

In the last year Australia has become the biggest ecport market, up 37% to a record $247 million. Exports to the United Kingdom grew 8% on 2007.