Backing for WA wine campaign

THE state government has given Western Australia’s ailing wine industry a $377,000 marketing boost to showcase premium wines in international destinations.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the funding would be distributed over the next three years.

“The state government’s commitment, through the Department of Agriculture and Food, will amount to one third of the total funding, with the balance to come from industry itself,” Mr Redman said.

He said participation in the Wine Industry Association’s international marketing plan would bring benefits to all wine regions and premium producers at all levels.

“Smaller non-exporting producers of top-quality wines should still benefit from international marketing efforts because more overseas sales will result in more space in local markets,” he said.

“WA wine exports have declined as a result of the high Australian dollar, strong overseas competition, the global financial crisis, fewer tourists and heavy discounting by major wine retailers. This government investment is about partnering industry to reverse those declines.”

The association said the primary wine export markets for WA wine were China-Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Secondary markets were UK-Ireland, US-Canada and selected countries in the European Union.

The WA wine industry will contribute $770,000 over the three years to fund the marketing initiatives.

Staff reporter