Tasmanian wine sector receives financial boost from government
The Tasmanian wine industry has received a boost thanks to a $600,000 financial injection from the government to fund Wine Tasmania over the next four years.
Wine Tasmania’s CEO Sheralee Davies has welcomed the Government’s support and said that it will help the state to drive the global demand for its wines.
“The Tasmanian wine sector conservatively contributes $115 million annually to the state’s economy, placing it in the state’s top ten sectors,” she said. “It has experienced strong and steady growth over many years, across vineyards, wineries and cellar door / wine tourism offerings.
“The Tasmanian wine sector has deliberately focused on growing demand for our high quality wines, which has generated growth in wine supply. This has contributed to Tasmania’s position as one of the highest value wine regions, and it is critical that we continue to drive global demand for Tasmania’s wines.”
Tasmania accounts for just 0.91% of Australia’s total wine grapes, but represents 4.37% of the value and Davies added that the funding will help with growing recognition and tourism of Tasmania’s wines.
“The Tasmanian Government support will facilitate the Tasmanian wine sector growing its differentiated reputation and value in key markets and driving high value visitation to the state’s cellar doors,” she said.
The vast majority – 95% of Tasmania’s wine is currently sold domestically and Wine Tasmania said that this will continue to be a major focus of promotional and wine tourism activities. The funding means that there will be an increased focus on activities in the most important international markets including the UK, the US and Hong Kong, which have been identified as those offering the greatest potential for Tasmanian wine.