New Zealand wine exports increased eight percent – from 288.8 million litres to 306.2 million litres – in the 12 months to June 2026.
The value of exports was NZ$2.108 billion – up slightly from NZ$2.10 last year – according to the annual report.
In comparison Australia exported 598 million litres in the same period – worth AUD$2.30 billion (NZ$2.86 billion).
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) says that in the face of a challenging global and domestic environment, New Zealand wine continued to outperform the wider category in key markets, “providing grounds for confidence in the long-term prospects of New Zealand wine”.
Vintage 2026 delivered a smaller harvest of about 440,000 tonnes, down 15 percent on the previous year, bringing production into closer balance with current market demand and supporting the industry’s focus on sustainable long-term growth.
NZW chair Fabian Yukich said the report showed an industry that was “far from standing still”.
“This has been a challenging year across the global wine industry, but New Zealand wine continues to show remarkable resilience,” Mr Yukich said.
“What stands out is the determination of growers and wineries to adapt.
“Businesses in the sector are making adjustments, the progress made this year gives us confidence that it is moving towards a more balanced footing.”
CEO Anishka Jelicich, who was appointed to the role in July, said, “Our new strategy has a clear purpose: to elevate and sustain the New Zealand wine industry by empowering our members.
“This means giving growers and wineries the information, advocacy and practical support they need to make well-informed decisions.
“Our role is to support the industry as a whole so that New Zealand wine can emerge stronger and succeed over the long term.”
Photo credit: Craggy Range. New Zealand Winegrowers.
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