Despite a 17% drop in South Africa’s wine exports last year, export revenues increased to R10 billion.
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The total volume of exports for 2023 amounted to 306 million litres, compared to 368 million litres exported in 2022, which generated R9.9 billion in revenue.
As per the latest export report by industry body Wines of South Africa (WoSA), the lower numbers are due to ‘excessive stock across the world’s wine-producing countries’.
It further explains that trading has been particularly competitive in the entry-level segment of the market, which has had a ripple effect across the value chain.
Nonetheless, South African wines continue to impress with continuous positive recognition from critics such as Tim Atkin and Anthony Mueller, Engineering News reports.
‘It is this reputation for top quality wines that seems to be setting South Africa’s wines apart from many of its counterparts and fuelling a positive premium growth trajectory,’ says WoSA CEO Siobhan Thompson.
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Thompson adds that the positive accolades achieved by South African wines further solidify the country’s position in global markets, and she believes that local producers are known for producing unique wines that represent the Rainbow Nation.
South Africa’s most popular exported wines include white blends such as sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and chardonnay, and reds such as shiraz, pinotage and cabernet sauvignon.
However, Thompson adds that producers face several challenges, such as the infrastructure issues at the Port of Cape Town.
‘Order fulfilment is key in the international wine business and we cannot allow delays owing to below-standard logistical performance to tarnish our reputation as a reliable supplier of quality wine,’ says Christo Conradie, South Africa Wine stakeholder engagement manager.
As per Engineering News, both organisations are engaging with port authorities to identify supportive measures for producers in the short term.
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