ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/1/2004 08 January 2004
India raises its glass to Australian wines
Many of Australia's leading wines are on show at India's Food and Wine Show (IFOWS) 2004 being held at the Taj Palace Hotel on 8-10 January 2004.
Speaking at the inauguration of IFOWS 2004, the Australian High Commissioner, Ms Penny Wensley AO said, "The Australian wine industry is providing an exciting range of full-flavoured elegant wines not only to wine connoisseurs but to the expanding emerging wine markets. The Australian wine industry is now a mature one with a global focus, and a significant presence in world markets."
The High Commissioner remarked that "Australian wine makers have much to offer India, in terms of supplying wine, through to collaboration in the cultivation of grapes (viticulture) and the science of winemaking (oenology). India represents a growing and developing market for Australian wine." She said that the High Commission was organising a wine tasting to be held in conjunction with IFOWS to provide further opportunities to experience Australia's world-class wines.
Ms Wensley emphasised that India had the potential to develop significantly its domestic wine industry and that Australia would be a good partner for this enterprise.
Ms Wensley also underlined the importance of the Indian Government reducing further its duties on wine. This would assist in opening up the trade and off premise sector for wines and in the development of India's viticulture industry, which would benefit both Indian consumers and India's tourism industry.
Australia's presence at the stand at the Food and Wine Show is being led by the Australian Wine Export Council (AWEC), Australia's peak wine industry promotional and marketing body in collaboration with the Australian Trade Commission.
Acknowledging the presence of Mr David Dean, Marketing Manager of AWEC, Ms Wensley added that a number of Australian companies were being represented at the show. These included established companies such as Hardys, Jasmine Wines and Australasian Wine Exporters, through to emerging producers including Osborn, Mountford, Annvers, Turramurra Estate, Merum and Hungerford Hill wineries.
With a rich heritage in wine making, Australia has over 1,600 wineries, and is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world. In the year ended October 2003, Australian global wine exports were valued at A$2.43 billion, and there is increasing interest by Australian wine companies in the India market. IFOWS represents a valuable opportunity for Indian wine industry representatives to learn more about the Australian industry and sample a range of fine Australian wines.
For further information, please contact Ms Elizabeth Sullivan (Commercial) on telephone 98100 58766.