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ABC News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- ABC News
Grape growers trial disease-fighting robots as wine industry struggles with rising costs
Wine grape growers grappling with declining sales and rising expenses hope advancements in autonomous technology can help to safeguard the industry. Global wine consumption has dropped considerably over the last two decades and the increasing cost of chemicals and a labour shortage have put vineyards under pressure. But it is hoped technological breakthroughs will provide economic and environmental solutions. Agri Automation is collaborating with Wine Australia to trial a device that uses a form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, rather than chemicals, to treat vineyard diseases. The method involves a self-driving vehicle travelling between the vines and exposing them to UV-C with an electronic device. Agri Automation managing director Cam Clifford said UV-C was most effective when applied at night. "It works by destroying the DNA of the [diseased] cell, so it will damage it to a point that it can't rebuild itself," he said. "Once those cells are broken down … they can't rebuild themselves, which essentially controls the disease, as opposed to applying agrochemicals. Traditionally, fungicides, pesticides and herbicides are applied to crops to protect plants and grapes, which requires a number of workers and can take multiple days. Reducing the use of chemicals has been linked with improved outcomes for biodiversity, as well as improved water, soil and food quality. Similar technology is being trialled in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The technology has been put on display at the Department of Primary Industries Regional Development research station in Orange, New South Wales. Tamburlaine Organic Wines vineyard manager Boris Ostini says it could have an extremely positive impact for vignerons. "It is getting harder to find decent vineyard workers," he said. "This makes the management of what you are trying to control easier … you can do it when you need to get it done, sometimes in the rain, hail or shine. "It will definitely help out with the profitability and the impact of disease." Tamburlaine is certified as an organic winery that does not use fungicides, pesticides and herbicides. Mr Ostini said reducing chemical use created an opportunity to attract new buyers. "It will help with the marketing side of things," he said. Growers are also using technology to Identify whether vines are diseased and need to be sprayed. Australian start-up BioScout has created a device that scans the air in a vineyard for pathogens every 12 hours. The data collected is automatically scanned and artificial intelligence is used to identify whether diseases are present in the crop. BioScout's Charles Simons said the system removed the "guess work" for growers deciding when to apply chemicals. "It gives them the amount of spores and also tells them the severity of the infection, so they can make time decisions on spray applications," he said. "You look at the environment and you look at the crop and you make the decision on gut-feel … yet you don't know what the pathogens are, which is the missing link." Mr Simons said the technology would help to reduce the use of chemicals over time. "Vineyards are blanket-spraying applications for powder and downy mildew … that is not very good for the environment," he said.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australian wine export value bounces back in China, volumes not yet recovered
Australian wine exports to China exceeded A$1bn ($640m) in the 12 months since tariffs were lifted in March 2024, but volumes are not yet back to pre-tariff levels, new data from the trade body Wine Australia shows. China lifted hefty tariffs on Australian wine at the end of March last year, ending three years of punitive taxes which devastated some of Australia's winemaking regions. In 2024, mainland China was the top destination by value, with exports growing nearly 2% to $1.03bn, according to Wine Australia's Export Report which covers the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. While value of exports to China are now "at a similar" level to where they were before tariffs came into force, volumes sold are yet to recover, Wine Australia's market insights manager Peter Bailey said in a statement. Over the 12-month period export volumes of Australian wine to China grew roughly 2% to 96 million litres, a 44% drop from its peak in 2018, he said. "While the total value of shipments to mainland China is now at a similar level to the years immediately before tariffs on Australian bottled wine came into force, volume in the last 12 months is 23% smaller than the 5-year average between 2016 and 2020 and 44% below the peak in 2018." Bailey added that though the value of exports to mainland China was relatively back to pre-tariff levels, volume levels showed the region was "a premium market for Australian wine and will therefore not solve oversupply issues in Australia'. Total international exports from Australia increased 41% to A$2.64bn from April 2024 through March, and by volume grew 6% to 647 million litres. The average value of exports increased 33% to A$4.09 per litre, its highest average in almost two decades. China was key to the overall success of exports. International exports, excluding mainland China, declined 13% in value to A$1.62 billion and 9% in volume to 551 million litres, the lowest value for exports excluding China in ten years and lowest volume in over twenty years. The decline in value was driven by lower Hong Kong sales, while the volume drop was due to lower demand in UK, the US and Canada, the trade body said. In the twelve month period, export volumes to the UK dropped 8% to 208 million litres. Shipments to the US fell 17% to 106 million litres, and to Canada fell 19% to 60 million litres. Despite the upturn in exports to China, Wine Australia said tariffs, changing consumer habits and cost-of-living pressures were all live challenges. "The global wine market is facing considerable headwinds which are impacting on results for other markets aside from mainland China and are unlikely to be resolved in the near-term," the group said in a statement. "While there has been a long-term trend of consumers drinking less alcohol due to health and wellness concerns, more recent cost-of-living pressures could continue or potentially get worse in certain markets, given the economic and political turmoil taking place globally. Escalating trade wars have the potential to increase prices, complicate supply chains, and rapidly change the competitive landscape in key wine markets in the near-term," it added. "Australian wine export value bounces back in China, volumes not yet recovered" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Sky News AU
01-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Taylors Estate, Chateau Tanunda, Little Yering: Sky News suggests 10 wines for $20 or less, with some crackers under $50
Taylors Wines have done it again, winning an international award with a $22 bottle of sauvignon blanc. The South Australian family winery claimed the trophy for the 'best-of-show' Australia white at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in Germany for Taylors Estate Label Sauvignon Blanc 2024. The wine also collected a gold medal. It was made by Adam Eggins and his team in the Clare Valley. It's a jolly quaffer displaying a crisp, zippy palate with flavours of tropical fruit and gooseberry and a lick of honeydew melon. There is some herbaceousness on the mid-palate, and it finishes with a delicate, cleansing acidity. Eggins is at the top of his game and has produced a series of trophy winning wines at international shows in recent years. Taylors Estate Merlot from Clare Valley fruit recently won a trophy and a 'double gold' rating at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. It is a bargain buy under $20. Taylors Wines managing director Mitchell Taylor, himself a winemaker, said Australian vintners were working hard to win back a share of the Chinese market after tariffs were lifted a year ago. 'Seeing Australian wines continue to succeed globally at awards such as Mundus Vini is incredibly exciting for not only us here at Taylors, but for the greater Australian wine industry,' he said. 'Following the China tariffs reopening last year, it's been a huge year for the Australian wine industry working to reacquaint the market with our wines. Accolades such as these help shine the spotlight on our wines globally. And they provide us the opportunity to speak about our wines and the stories behind them.' Mr Taylor spoke as Wine Australia released fresh figures showing a massive jump in sales to China since tariffs were eliminated. Wine Australia's Peter Bailey said wine exports to China have increased by 41 per cent in value to $2.64 billion in the last 12 months. The Mundus Vini show is one of Europe's largest international wine shows. This year 250 wine experts from 55 countries tasted wines from across the world. More affordable wines were uncovered this week when Dan Murphy's wine merchants released their annual Best in Glass Wine Awards for bottles under $50. The list contains offerings around the $20 mark - and under. The two most affordable winners were the Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc ($13+) and Shingleback Red Knot Shiraz ($13).I was pleased to see The Ethereal One Grenache ($18) make the list. It is a seductive wine made in McLaren Vale by Mark 'Jamo' Jamieson who selects the fruit from up to five different growers. Chateau Tanunda Chorus Tempranillo Shiraz Grenache ($20+) from the Barossa Valley was also good buy was Little Yering Pinot Noir ($22) from Victoria's Yarra Valley. Dal Zotto Pucino Prosecco ($23) from the King Valley also made the list from 700-plus wines tasted. Two other impressive wines were Madfish Gold Turtle Chardonnay ($17) from Margaret River in Western Australia, and K by Krondorf Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon ($14). Andrew Shedden, Dan Murphy's manager of premium and luxury wines said the best-in-class awards differed from traditional wine show judging. He said the judges' notes focus less on technical detail and were more about helping drinkers find the right bottle for the right occasion.'Choosing a wine can be intimidating,' he said. 'There is so much choice on the shelves. Without a clear starting point, it can be overwhelming. The best-in-glass awards cut through that.' International winners include Decoy California Pinot Noir ($50) from Sonoma County. Its tasting notes describe it as an alluring pinot with aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, black tea and sage with rustic hints of 'earthy forest floor'. On the palate it delivers 'generous ripe berry flavours'. A shiraz from the Rhone Valley in France Cave De Tain Saint-Joseph Grand Classique ($47) also made the cut. Other 'best-in-glass' winners included Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz ($33) Nanny Goat Vineyard Pinot Noir ($41+) from Central Otago in New Zealand, Teusner Joshua Barossa Valley Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre ($35+) and Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon ($40+) from the Margaret River. Red cherries and strawberries are on show in Pizzini Pietra Rossa Sangiovese ($30+) from Victoria's King for chocolaty cherry, blackberry notes in Bleasdale Second Innings Malbec ($19+) from Langhorne Creek. The best chardonnay under $50 was Oakridge Valley Series Chardonnay ($30) from the Yarra Valley. There were two attractive at a good price: Tim Adams Pinot Gris ($20) and Chapel Hill The Parson Pinot Grigio ($17).Tasmania dominated the sparkling category. The best of them were Clover Hill Tasmania Multi Vintage Exceptionnelle ($46), Jansz Tasmania Vintage Cuvée ($49) and Devil's Corner Sparkling Cuvée NV ($27).
ABC News
01-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Australian wine exports drop to 20-year low excluding sales to China
Australian winemakers are deeply concerned about recent data indicating the nation is exporting some of its lowest wine volumes in more than two decades. Excluding China, the amount of Australian wine exported to the rest of the world declined in the past 12 months, as cheaper, bulk wine falls out of favour and health-conscious consumers drink less. While China took $1.03 billion worth of Australia's premium wine last year, Wine Australia's latest report shows the lucrative market has cooled from its peak. It has prompted Australian winemakers to again call for support to find new markets, or transition out of the industry. The Chinese market for Australian wine producers has reduced by more than two-thirds since 2018. ( Supplied Kingston Wine Estates ) Wine Australia marketing insights manager Peter Bailey said the industry faced tough times, and it could get worse. "What it shows is the global wine market is facing considerable headwinds, which are impacting on the results outside of China, and they're unlikely to be resolved in the near term," he said. " We're seeing a long-term trend of consumers drinking less alcohol due to health and wellbeing concerns, and more recently it's been around cost-of-living pressures, and these could get worse in certain markets given the economic and political turmoil taking place globally. " Premium wine drives growth Australia's overall wine exports increased 41 per cent in value last year to reach $2.64 billion, while overall volume increased by just six per cent. The increase in value was attributed mainly to premium wine heading to China after the removal of hefty tariffs last year. But the volume of wine exported to China was well below its pre-tariff peak, while exports to the rest of the world dropped by nine per cent. Almost 60 per cent of the wine produced in Australia is exported. ( ABC Riverland: Will Hunter ) Mr Bailey said China remained keen on Australia's premium wine but was not the solution to the industry's wider crisis. "The lower volume and higher value demonstrate that China is very much a premium market for Australian wine and will therefore not solve any oversupply issues," he said. Call for government support Kingston Estate Wines, in South Australia's Riverland, is one of Australia's leading bulk wine exporters. Managing director Bill Moularadellis said the entire industry was adapting to a very different Chinese market since tariffs. "We're all competing in a much smaller market, and there's been significant price deflation," he said. Mr Moularadellis said some premium brands had been able to grow sales in China, but it was important to look at the full picture. "It will be a mistake to allow the Chinese export sales growth to hide and mask the contraction in world consumption and exports into our established markets," he said. Kingston Estate Wines exports about 90 per cent of its total production. ( Supplied: Kingston Estate Wines ) Mr Moularadellis said the "seismic shift" in global drinking habits required new markets and products to revive the industry. "There has been a focus on premiumisation, and with that, there's been an abandonment of new product development that's targeted at new wine consumers," he said. "We must concentrate our efforts and resources on entry level products that recruit new consumers that ultimately become the premium wine consumers of tomorrow." Mr Moularadellis said the industry was "unfairly disadvantaged" through China's tariffs and needed government assistance through an expanded export market development grant scheme. Some silver linings Matt McCulloch, managing director at Langmeil Winery in the Barossa, welcomed the news that China had imported more than $1 billion worth of Australian wine last year. Photo shows A hand reaches for a glass of wine. A Harry Potter book is on the coffee table Australian wine exports have been hit by a global trend in people drinking less alcohol and cutting costs, but hope remains for the re-opening of a major market. "It's good to see the recovery in pretty challenging times that we've had since COVID, and then tariffs, then geopolitical tensions, cost-of-living pressures, overall … getting back up towards about 90 per cent of where we were before the events of 2020 onward took place," Mr McCulloch said. " However, that's the headline numbers. Within that, there's a lot of pain in the industry out there still at the moment. " Mr McCulloch said if consumption and production were falling for the Australian industry as a whole, but there was still an excess in the global wine sector, "then we've got to have a look at what we'll be doing in the future". "Which is focusing on being a better but not bigger industry, making fewer and finer wines," he said. "But that's going to be a relatively painful transition for some, more than others." ABC Rural RoundUp newsletter Stories from farms and country towns across Australia, delivered each Friday. Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Australia's surge in wine exports to China begins to slow
By Peter Hobson CANBERRA (Reuters) -Australia's wine export boom to China that followed an improvement in relations between the two countries is showing signs of slowing, amid a broader global decline in the number of bottles headed to the world's second-largest economy. China is the Australian wine industry's most lucrative overseas market but its consumption of wine is falling sharply, amid a more gradual decline worldwide. Beijing's lifting of tariffs on March 29 last year triggered a surge in exports. Australia shipped just over A$1 billion ($640 million) of wine to China in the 12 months to March 31 this year, data from industry body Wine Australia show. That amount is just short of the record A$1.15 billion exported in the year to March 31, 2020 and follows a period of more than three years during which trade restrictions were in place and Australia shipped negligible amounts of wine to China. However, exports have slowed after the initial rush, totalling A$126 million in the first three months of 2025, the least for any January-to-March quarter since 2016. The influx of bottles from Australia in 2024 led to the first annual increase in China's wine imports since 2018, Chinese customs figures accessed using Trade Data Monitor show. China's imports from other nations such as France, Chile and Italy have more than halved since 2018 and continue to trend lower. "Australia has performed exceptionally well to get to a billion dollars," said Peter Bailey, market insights manager at Wine Australia. "There definitely has been a growth for Australia is not assured." China's trade barriers – imposed during a political spat between Beijing and Canberra in November 2020 – worsened Australia's wine glut, leading to huge inventories, a plunge in grape prices and a purge of vineyards. Wine Australia said China will not solve the oversupply problem as it is importing a smaller number of pricier bottles than before. Adding to those problems, Australia's wine exports to the rest of the world fell in the 12 months to March 31, it said. Bailey said Australia could benefit from Chinese tariffs on the United States, which will likely halt U.S. wine exports to China worth around $50 million a year, and from Canada's shift away from U.S. wine, but it was too early to know for sure. ($1 = 1.5601 Australian dollars)
