A delegation of Chinese wine buyers toured the Clare Valley on Wednesday in an effort to promote export growth following the removal of tariffs earlier this year.
Clare was one of three prominent wine regions visited – Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale as part of a three-day South Australian Wine Immersion Itinerary.
The experience forms part of the Malinauskas Government’s $1.85 million wine export reengagement program, with Duty Labor Member for Frome Tony Piccolo MP joining the 13 different companies during the Clare trek.
“It was an honour to be involved in the significant initiative of promoting the Clare region’s wine industry to international markets and meeting the people behind the brands,” Mr Piccolo said.
“More than half a billion dollars’ worth of South Australian wine has been exported to China in just seven months following the removal of import tariffs, so we want to ensure winemakers from all our wine regions capitalise on increasing exports and also strengthen our community and economy.
“The success of our wine industry directly benefits local businesses, creates jobs and enhances our region’s reputation as a premier wine destination.”
The tour is one of the first delegations of Chinese industry leaders to visit the state since before COVID, and since Chinese wine tariffs were removed in March this year.
With buyers varying between the likes of wholesalers, importers, e-commerce, consultants and education, the itinerary was tailored to meet the requirements of the buyers and the unique opportunities in their markets, allowing them to meet and engage with winemakers while trying an exceptional variety of wines.
Seventy producers from eight wine regions are offering exclusive tastings, premium and unique experiences and personalised meetings to build connections and align Chinese markets with South Australian wineries and brands.
With China lifting tariffs on Australian wine earlier this year, the South Australian Government is supporting the local wine sector to get back into the Chinese export market.
The China reengagement package is helping to reposition South Australia as a market leader in China and continue to increase our wine exports.
Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs MP, said, “The China South Australian Wine familiarisation tour is a critical part of our wine export reengagement strategy.”
“There’s no equivalent to being on the ground, speaking to winemakers and experiencing the essence of our unique landscape to understand our wine, how it is made and what makes it so extraordinary.
“Armed with this experience, the buyers will leave our shores equipped with business connections and a tangible understanding of premium South Australian wine.”
To support two-way market activation and immersion, the Malinauskas Government has also facilitated opportunities for local wine exporters to attend key in-market industry events in China in 2024, with more opportunities slated for 2025.
South Australian wine exports to all markets reached $1.67 billion, up 38.9 per cent, in the year to September 2024.
For more information on the support available for wineries exporting to China visit www.export.sa.gov.au/wine-china