Austrailan wine exports to China grow

BOTTLED wine exports to China have delivered significant growth in value and volume, according to research released by Wine Australia.

Wine Australia's quarterly Wine Export Approvals Report showed Australian bottled wine exports to China grew by 16.3 per cent in volume and 23.1 per cent in value, for the year ending September 2012.

China consolidated its position as the biggest destination for Australian bottled wine exports above $7.50 per litre, ahead of the US and Canada.

The report also showed a 4 per cent increase in the average value of Australian wine per litre for both bottled and bulk wine.

Wine Australia's chief executive Andrew Cheesman said the growth was positive news for the Australian wine industry.

"We're starting to see a few green shoots for the Australian wine industry, with double digit growth in bottled wine exports to China and growth at higher price points across key markets delivering cause for some cautious optimism,'' Mr Cheesman said