Ray Smuts BIG, BOLD Shiraz wines with good fruit and tannins and maturation potential, are emerging as star performers as South African reds continue to make inroads into export markets. While international sales for last year were up by 17,8% over the previous year despite evidence of a global economic downturn, red wines in particular showed aggressive growth. Red wine exports were 22% higher for 2001 compared to the previous year with Shiraz showing the highest growth of all - 60% up on 2000. "It has become increasingly apparent to the international wine fraternity that local wines provide excellent value across all price segments and that there exists much potential to tap," says Wines of South Africa's Su Birch The average per litre price of £4.81 is still below the overall average retail price of £4.90 in Britain where South Africa's market share has increased to 7,8%. This level must increase to sustain the country's enhanced reputation since it is also significantly cheaper than the average Australian wine at £5.88 or Chilean wine at £5.19, Birch believes. According to AC Nelsen data, South Africa has the biggest share of any New World wine producer in the Dutch market, 13,8% in value terms - way ahead of Australia, the next biggest producer with 3%.
