Wine Australia has approved the first Wine Export Grant, as part of the Government’s $50m Export and Regional Wine Support Package, to Margaret River winery Vasse Felix.
Awarded on a first come, first served basis, the grant program allows small and medium wine producers to claim reimbursement of specific export promotion expenses incurred on or after 1 January 2018 and Vasse Felix has been awarded the grant for its exporting activities in the US.
Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark has encouraged wine exporters to take advantage of the $1m available through the reimbursement grant and after a number of key international trade events, Clarke said he is expecting a surge of applications
“There’s an exciting line-up of international wine trade events ahead and the wine export grants are designed to help businesses participate in these events and build their export businesses,” Clarke said.
“With the support of the Australian Government’s $50m Export and Regional Wine Support Package, we’re seeing greater participation from wine businesses at key trade shows so that we can build an Australian wine presence that’s bigger, better and bolder than ever before.
“In May, Australia will headline Vinexpo Hong Kong’s 20th anniversary event as Country of Honour with Australia’s largest-ever showcase of more than 140 exhibitors from over 35 regions.”
Applicants can make a claim of up to $25,000 for 50 per cent of eligible expenses related to promotion of their wine product for export to China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and/or the USA. The grant program closes on the expiration of funds or on 1 May 2020, whichever comes first.
Vasse Felix’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Lloyd Constantine, said that the grant has given the business more capacity to market their wines overseas.
“Being in-market is one of the most powerful methods to grow export sales, however travel, event and promotional costs often prohibit Australian wineries to be present and compete with the world’s fine wine regions,” Constantine said.
“This grant will assist Vasse Felix and our peers to showcase Margaret River’s world class wines to key trade and influencers in the international market.”
Administered by Wine Australia, the Wine Export Grants are a component of the $50m Package that aims to grow the Australian wine sector by driving demand for wine exports and showcasing Australia’s wine tourism to the world.