Queensland's top drops on show to Shanghai

Queensland wineries held a ‘virtual trade mission’ with potential Chinese buyers today as part of a Beattie Government push to increase wine exports from the state.

Wine Industry Development Minister Margaret Keech said the videoconference with Shanghai buyers was a fantastic opportunity to promote Queensland wines to this emerging market.

“The Chinese wine market is small, but fast-growing, and we believe today’s videoconference will lead to more business being done,” Mrs Keech said.

“Queensland wineries are already exporting to China - more than 140,000 litres in the past year alone.

“Traditionally the focus has been on high-volume, low-price orders, but we are receiving more and more requests for smaller amounts of premium Queensland wine.

“This opens up real opportunities for export-ready wineries and that’s why we have set up this ‘virtual trade mission’.”

The videoconference involved five Queensland wineries – Rangemore Estate (Darling Downs), Sirromet Wines (Scenic Rim/Granite Belt), Warrego Wines (Scenic Rim), Clovely Estate (South Burnett) and Kominos Wines (Granite Belt).

“They heard presentations from a Chinese wine industry consultant, a major Shanghai-based Australian wine importer and a Chinese wine writer,” Mrs Keech said.

“The wineries involved have also sent samples of their product to Shanghai for tasting, and received individual feedback during the video conference.

“I am advised the feedback was excellent, including wine style, packaging, labels, bottle shapes and price point.

“The teleconference was a great opportunity for these wine producers to learn more about the Chinese market, as well as raising their own profiles.”

Mrs Keech said wineries would also have the chance to take part in a series of wine tasting and promotional events in Shanghai during September.

“The Beattie Government is pleased to support this initiative, run by our Shanghai Trade Office and supported by my department,” Mrs Keech said.

“Australian wine already has a good reputation in China and more than 2.1 million litres of Australian wine are exported there each year – six times more than the previous year.

“It’s clear Chinese wine consumers are fast developing a taste for our top drops.

“This is not just an opportunity for the wine industry, but the tourism industry as well.

“It would be great to see more Chinese visitors drinking Queensland wine in Queensland, as well as at home.

“China is one of our best –performing emerging visitor markets and anything extra we can do to boost numbers further will be great for the tourism industry and Queensland’s economy overall.”

Media contact: 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416