South African wine exports are back on track, after dipping by around 5% in 2006 following 12 straight years of growth, says Wines of South Africa CEO Su Birch.
"Total exports across all markets for the first seven months of 2007 are 10% higher than the same period last year, and we expect to be able to maintain that growth rate for the full year," Birch said in a statement on Tuesday.
"Sales in the UK, still our biggest market, are also recovering well. Reports from producers indicate that volumes sold into the British trade during this time are up some 3% on the corresponding period in 2006, although this is still to be reflected in the AC Nielsen data, which records consumer purchases."
Birch said the Nielsen figures for the 12 months to June showed that the average retail price per 750ml bottle had risen to £3.91.
