Local wineries host international visitors - 12 February 2008
Danish and Icelandic wine importers visited the South West earlier this month to sample local product in a search for premium wine.
TradeStart officer for the South West Mat Lewis said the visit, organised by Austrade and the South West Development Commission, saw the four niche importers visit Pemberton and Margaret River before heading to Albany.
“These buyers are part of a region that is among our top wine importers,” Mr Lewis said.
“Their visit was a real shot in the arm for Pemberton’s growing wine industry as well as Margaret River.
“They were amazed at the quality of the wine and the passion of the producers. They also remarked on the quality of food in the region.
“The market they were interested in was the more expensive, premium wine and I am confident their visit will result in new market for a number of local wineries.”
Mr Lewis said visits from importers such as this month’s delegation were highly beneficial to the South West.
“These buyers are part of a sophisticated wine market with a high level of disposable income,” he said.
“The fringe benefit of their visit is they leave with a fresh appreciation of our product and the region it is produced in, as well as a new appreciation of other products such as our quality foods.”
Mr Lewis said the visit was organised by Austrade’s wine representative in Denmark, Thomas Andersen and supported by the South West Development Commission.
“The visit helped raise the profile of the South West as a region of international excellence, which is the goal of the South West Development Commission,” he said.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Scott Maclean