19 Apr 2011

China important new wine market for NZ

12:45 pm on 19 April 2011

The New Zealand wine industry sees China as the key to diversifying its export markets.

Twenty wineries participated in the first New Zealand wine fair to be held in Beijing last week, followed by another in Shanghai.

France has the biggest share of the imported wine market in China.

New Zealand wine sales there are currently worth about $10 million per year.

New Zealand Winegrowers says China will be extremely important as the industry recovers from the effects of world recession and looks for new markets in Asia.

Chief executive Philip Gregan says there is tremendous opportunity in China.