Wine corp sees benefits in new export agreements

    The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation says two new memorandums of understanding between Australia and China will allow for simpler export processes for growers.

    The federal Minister for Agriculture, Tony Burke, says the agreements have established a single point of contact, making it easier to access the market and resolve and problems that arise.

    The corporation's Steve Guy says markets in China and Hong Kong are steadily growing.

    "At a time when Australia's wine exports are generally not growing, these are standout markets," he said.

    "For instance, the moving annual total of exports to China this year compared to last, increased by 61 per cent and Hong Kong by 21 per cent, so these are great emerging success stories."

    Sheralee Davies from Constellation Wines Australia says many of its wineries, including Banrock Station in South Australia's Riverland, are exporting wine to China.

    She says it is a small but strongly emerging market.

    She says the memorandums of understanding will not change the way it does its dealings but they will make it easier.

    "It's a good level of support and an indication of support from both governments and it's certainly a step in the right direction in making sure that we are able to leverage all of the opportunities the Chinese market offers for Australian wine," she said.

    "We have a good presence in the Chinese market with our Hardy's range of wines, also Banrock Station, and we also then have Barossa Valley Estates, Leasingham and also Goundry Wines."