Program to boost wine sales

Submitted 20/02/2011

www.southaustralia.biz

 

A new $1 million State Government initiative aims to boost demand for South Australian wines, nationally and overseas.

Funded through Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA), the $1 million four-year program will assist the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) to deliver education and training that enhances the industry's export capability.

Agriculture Minister Michael O'Brien says the market development program will better support the wine industry and encourage further growth, particularly in China.

"This program will arm local businesses with practical information and the successful skills they need to thrive in a global market-place," he says.

"The project will also help South Australian wineries to identify their point of difference, what it is that sets them apart from their interstate and overseas counterparts, which is important in a crowded market place.

"This will be delivered through workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with existing wine export trade initiatives."

Minister O'Brien says the launch of the initiative follows a State Government election commitment to drive growth in South Australia's food and wine sector.

The South Australian Wine Industry Council (SAWIC) co-chair Louisa Rose says the program complements the industry and government's broader strategy, Wine: A Partnership 2010-15.

The grape and wine industry contributed an estimated $1.9 billion in sales and exports to the State's economy in 2009-10, and is South Australia's third largest export commodity.