Bangkok--19 Oct--Spark Communications
Sales of New Zealand wine in Thailand grow by 88 percent since 2011
NZ winemakers keen to make impression on market
New Zealand wine is gaining popularity in Thailand, with its food-friendly nature proving a hit with restaurants and consumers, according to H.E. Reuben Levermore, New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand.
Since 2011, sales of New Zealand wine in Thailand have increased by 88 percent, largely due to the popular sauvignon blanc varietal, but ably supported by a growing reputation for world-class pinot noir, and great cabernets, chardonnays, aromatics and premium sparkling wines.
"New Zealand wine is sold in more 80 countries, making it one of the country's fastest growing exports, especially in Asia. New Zealand is now the world's eighth largest wine exporter by value, and the seventh largest wine exporter to Thailand. Our wines have become a favourite with food-lovers as our range of varieties match well with the exotic dishes of Thailand and Asia, just as well as the traditional kitchens of France and Italy," added Reuben.
"As a result of this success we are working with an increasing number of New Zealand winemakers as they look to enter the market, and we have invited Bob Campbell, a Master of Wine, to host a series of seminars in Bangkok that will help people get to know more about the distinctive characteristics of New Zealand wine."
In a few short decades New Zealand has gone from a practically non-existent wine status to wowing the world in international competitions on a regular basis and is now regarded as a premier new-world wine country.
Much of the success has been a result of winemakers and vineyard owners using innovative practices to take a traditional art to a new level. Sustainability is also a key feature, with over 90 percent of New Zealand's producing vineyard area certified as part of the country's Sustainable Wine Growing New Zealand programme, with many already achieving carbon neutral status. The programme also promotes environmental-based growing including organic and biodynamic production.
"Many people wonder why New Zealand's wine is so successful, but its dramatic landscape combined with the diverse soils and perfect wine-producing climate play a major part. The temperate, maritime climate has a strong influence on the country's predominantly coastal vineyards, and vines are warmed by strong, clear sunlight during the day and cooled by sea breezes at night. The long, slow ripening period helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that makes New Zealand wine distinctive," said Bob Campbell, Master of Wine.
Learn more about New Zealand wines at: www.nzwine.com