New Zealand wine exports lift 6%

Friday, 9 October, 2026

The Drinks Business, Amelie Maurice-Jones

New Zealand wine exports grew from 288.8 million to 306.2 million litres in the 12 months to June 2026, despite tough conditions for the country’s wine industry.

Export volumes increased by 8% to 306.2 million litres, according to the latest annual report from New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW), hitting NZ$2.108bn(£1.0bn).

The result was the industry’s second-highest June year total on record, with New Zealand wine continuing to outperform the wider wine category in several key markets.

However, the sector also recorded a significantly smaller harvest in 2026. Vintage 2026 produced about 440,000 tonnes of grapes, 15% less than the previous year. NZW said the reduction was bringing production more closely into line with market demand.

The industry has been facing weaker demand and changing consumer habits in several markets, prompting individual growers and wineries to adjust production and business strategies.