Fierce competition challenging Australian wine sales to the US
One of America's most prominent wine commentators is warning flagging Australian exports are not only due to currency problems.
The US remains Australia's second biggest export market, despite sales of some varieties dropping by 30 per cent.
The export fall coincides with the Australian dollar's surge.
But John Gillespie, from the American Wine Market Council, says aggressive competition is also hurting Australia.
"Look at the marketing efforts by New Zealand and Argentina and by Chile and by Spain," he says.
"Look at the continuing inroads that they are making into the US market you see just how competitive a situation Australia faces.
"So I don't think that it's a question of just currency and I don't think it's a question of quality, but it's just a highly, highly, highly competitive market just now."
Competition is fierce for the US wine market (Justin Huntsdale)
One of America's most prominent wine commentators is warning flagging Australian exports are not only due to currency problems.
The US remains Australia's second biggest export market, despite sales of some varieties dropping by 30 per cent.
The export fall coincides with the Australian dollar's surge.
But John Gillespie, from the American Wine Market Council, says aggressive competition is also hurting Australia.
"Look at the marketing efforts by New Zealand and Argentina and by Chile and by Spain," he says.
"Look at the continuing inroads that they are making into the US market you see just how competitive a situation Australia faces.
"So I don't think that it's a question of just currency and I don't think it's a question of quality, but it's just a highly, highly, highly competitive market just now."
Competition is fierce for the US wine market (Justin Huntsdale)