Sales of New Zealand wine overseas came in flat in the latest 12-month period, according to data released this week, while export volumes delivered a mid-single-digit increase.
In its annual report, covering the 12 months to the end of June, trade association New Zealand Winegrowers reported that value sales inched up by 0.5% in the period, to NZD2.11bn (US$1.21bn). In volume terms, however, wine shipments grew at a faster pace, up by 6% at 306.2m litres.
The performances were in line with the same 12-month period in 2025, when exports dipped by 0.6% in value as volumes rose 4.5%.
While the country’s top ten wine markets delivered little by way of drastic change – leader the US dipped by 5.4% in value, with second-placed the UK rising by 4.3% – the organisation’s commentary highlighted the “standout growth” in South Korea as being of “notable interest”, although no figures were disclosed. Subsequently, NZW has added the country to “the list of key markets that [it] shapes activity around”.
Turning to New Zealand’s most recent harvest, the trade association noted a 15% decline in production this year versus 2025. The fall was framed as a positive, however, as “recent larger vintages” had resulted in “an imbalance between supply and demand”.
“While our long-term fundamentals remain strong, many of our members have been operating in an exceptionally difficult environment,” said chair Fabian Yukich. “Growers and wineries across the country have faced a combination of financial, operational and personal pressures, requiring difficult decisions and significant perserverence.
“We have successfully navigated challenging times before, and while the situation won’t be resolved in the short term, we remain focused on supporting our members.”
Head here to access New Zealand Winegrowers’ Annual Report for 2026.
