The annual report from New Zealand Winegrowers shows that the export industry has grown by $700 million in the last decade, primarily pushed by a keen US market. Volume has doubled since 2009, and the total value of wine exports reached $1.7 billion.
However, the news was tempered by the fact that domestic wine sales have dropped by around six million litres, from 59 million down to 53 million. Per capita New Zealanders are drinking less wine, from 14 litres a year down to 11.
"Even in the last five years [the US market] really just started to become so valuable to us," said Marcus Pickens of Wine Marlborough. "It has been a surprise but the last few years it's just been a continual market that's just building, and going so well for us."
Despite trade uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration, Pickens is quietly confident.
“We always have to keep a close eye on what's going on with the trade issues," he said. "We certainly have great relationships with the New Zealand government who are working really hard on making sure we're not too affected by these international treaties, or negotiations."
