Organic Wine Export Facilitation Project - 2003-2004

Backgroundorganicbottleswine

Considerable research was undertaken to explore the international market opportunity for Australian Organic wine.  This initial report provided an understanding of the marketplace opportunities in four key countries identified to have a strong organic interest and a growing consumption of wine.  As a result of this research, two markets present significant immediate and longer-term opportunity for wine made using organically grown grapes - the US and Sweden.  A pilot project was commenced with an importer in the US to evaluate available Australian organic wine.

Objectives

The project was designed to develop specifications with a key buyer in a prospective market,  strengthen relationships with organic wine suppliers, and strategically mentor those suppliers in terms of market requirements and product development.

Key Achievements

  • Relationship established with a US distributor specialising in the distribution of organic wines from across the world.
  • Specifications developed with the buyer in terms of US market suitability.
  • Report on market access process and issues produced.
  • Developed interest with key Australian organic wine producers.
  • Producer wine samples sent to the US distributor for assessment.

This project will continue into 2004/05 with the following objectives:  

  • Distributor assessment sent to producers and mentoring process commenced.
  • Facilitation of possible visit of Distributor to Australia to meet with key identified producers to form business alliances.

 Project Leader: Karen Shepherd