South Australian wine exporters are set to enjoy a state funding boost of almost $4 million. Photo: Deyan Georgiev.
The South Australian Government has announced its Global Wine Growth Program ahead of a broader trade and investment strategy to be launched this week.
Some $3.9 million will be provided to local wine exporters as the industry undergoes challenges affecting the global trading environment.
Designed in collaboration with the South Australian wine industry, the program focuses on delivering stronger business outcomes and building the state’s reputation globally.
Wine-loving markets such as China, the US and the UK will be targeted, as will emerging consumers in areas such as South-East Asia.
The initiative has been announced ahead of South Australia’s Trade and Investment Strategy, to be launched by Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs on Wednesday, 23 July.
“South Australia is Australia’s undisputed wine capital, and this program will ensure that this crucial industry can not only adapt to changing global markets but thrive within them,” Minister Szakacs said.
“Through the State Government’s Wine Exporters China Re-engagement Support Program and the Wine Export Diversification Program, we’ve seen the industry lift exports back to near-record levels.”
South Australia accounted for more than two-thirds of the nation’s global wine exports in the year to March, with a value exceeding $1.9 billion. The Global Wine Growth Program will expand on the success of the $1.85 million Wine Exporters China Re-engagement Support Program, announced in 2024. That program saw South Australia recover 90 per cent of its peak wine exports in just a year.
Chinese wine consumption has been a focus of the South Australian wine export market.
The measure is the first of numerous similar policies to be funded through an additional $5 million announced in last month’s state budget. It will support South Australian industry and business impacted by the unpredictability of the current global trade environment and tariffs.
Domestic growth is also a focus of the government’s policy, with $1 million a year committed to the re-established Brand SA, which focuses on promoting local consumption.
Brand SA was relaunched in 2022 after being cut by the previous Liberal government.
The announcement of more support for wine exporters is particularly timely as the industry prepares to meet in Adelaide from 20 to 23 July for the 19th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference to cover issues and opportunities facing the economically valuable sector.
