Sustainability Factor Gains Pace

There has been an acceleration around the world of consumer sentiment towards sustainability and it is taking the global wine sector with it.

This is according to Tony Battaglene, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine.

“Consumers, retailers and governments are all paying attention – there has never been a more important time we paid attention too,” he says.

“At the moment, consumers’ purchase considerations are driving this action, with retail trends and supply chain requirements quickly catching up.

“Soon we’ll have no choice but to demonstrate sustainability and it is better to be prepared for it.”

Australian Grape & Wine, The Australian Wine Research Institute and Wine Australia are calling on all grapegrowers and winemakers to become members of Australia’s national sustainability program, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.

The demand for products that can demonstrate they are produced sustainably continues to grow around the world.

Sustainability is now a core element sought by consumers and retailers.

The Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program helps its members to measure, monitor and report their vineyard or winery’s environmental, economic and social initiatives each year.

This not only allows them to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, but puts them on the path to continually improve their practices.

“Our three organisations have formed a collective vision for the Australian wine community at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges from a changing market that is placing increased emphasis on sustainability,” Mr Battaglene says.

“Sustainability needs to be led at the local level, but the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program allows us to demonstrate both our individual and collective credentials to the world.

“The program’s quick and easy assessments and reporting provide a full picture of a producer’s environmental, economic and social practices in the vineyard or winery.

“The benefits of being a member enable benchmarking production activities, therefore gaining insights into efficiencies and cost savings while creating greater business value over the longer term.”

Sustainable Winegrowing Australia supports more than 700 members with their sustainability management and assessment.

With a membership growth of 32 percent in the past financial year, and 22 percent growth to 30 September, the program has gained real traction within the wine community.

Members include Gemtree Wines, Devil’s Lair, See Saw Wines, Mount Langi Ghiran and Duxton Vineyards.