SOUTH WEST red wine is readily becoming a sought-after drop in Asia, according to a local producer.
Willow Bridge Estate, in the Ferguson Valley, has increased their exports to the Eastern continent by a third.
International exports to nine countries make up about 35 per cent of trade for the acclaimed winery, with China fast representing a third of the share.
Red wine consumption in China has increased 136 per cent over five years according to an International Wine and Spirit Research report, making it the leading market worldwide.
Willow Bridge Estate Manager Jeff Dewar told business that he expected the red country to overtake the UK, their biggest market currently, in the next two or three years.
“The good thing about China is that the education for high end premium wine is on the increase it – has a lot of value to them and their willing to pay,” Mr Dewar said.
Popular drops include the Estate’s Blackdog Shiraz, retailing for $60 locally, and Gravel Pit Shiraz, $30.
Mr Drewar said red wine made up 80 per cent of orders to China, pointing to documented evidence of its health benefits for the figures.
“The middle class there that are really starting to pick up on its benefits, having a wine with meals and that sort of thing,” he said.
“Chinese are travelling a lot more, there is a huge interest in adopting new things from around world and food and wine is a big part of that.”
The Estate’s increased international trade comes after a fresh four-year contract was signed off between the South West Development Commission and Australind Trade Commission last week.
SWDC export advisor Mat Lewis said in light of the deal he looked forward to continuing to bolster the success of local businesses through the activities of the TradeStart network.
“We’ve got some exciting plans in the works including a trade development program in November and also trade missions to rapidly growing markets like Vietnam,” Mr Lewis said.
“We will also be supporting tourism trade events in Singapore next month and an upcoming trade mission to China.
Mr Lewis can be contacted on 0427 429 016.
