SOUTH AFRICA’S wine exports continue to flourish, with volumes up a dramatic 35% for the first quarter of 2008, compared with the same period last year, as Wines of South Africa (WOSA) steps up preparations for Nedbank Cape Wine 2008 later this year.
The biennial industry showcase to the international market will take place in September, timed to augment industry efforts to create a spring season of wine.
Running from September 23 to 25, it will fall midway between the Nederburg Auction and the Nedbank Cape Winemakers’ Guild Auction, allowing visitors to the Cape to take full advantage of all three events.
Says WOSA CEO Su Birch: “The move from the traditional post-harvest timing of April to September means our event no longer clashes with any of the European wine trade shows.
“The postponement also allows producers, for the first time since the inception of the exhibition in 2000, to show current vintage wines.
“This is particularly important given the growing interest in South Africa’s white wines. At the same time, the establishment of an industry-co-ordinated season of wine sends a message of unity to the international marketplace.”
Birch says the closer co-operation by all the major players to achieve a common goal of building South Africa’s profile in an increasingly competitive global market is bearing fruit.
For the first time in the country’s history, wine exports have exceeded domestic sales in volume terms. For the 12 months to January, 316,8 million litres of wine were exported, as opposed to the 314,5 million litres sold domestically.
“Although domestic sales data are not yet available for the 12 months to March to make the comparisons, we do know that export sales for this period reached 331,5 million litres, an increase of 23% on the previous 12 months. The local market, in contrast, is moving at a far slower pace of around 5% per annum.”
Despite the impressive growth in exports, Birch does sound a note of caution. “Although good news in terms of foreign earnings, we must be careful to avoid the pitfalls of building our competitive advantage on the basis of a weak rand and should be focusing our efforts on raising export value.”
