Japan and Germany are the latest trade targets for South Australian food and wine, with Fleurieu products among those leading the way.

McLaren Vale’s Ox Hardy and Langhorne Creek’s Metala Wines are two of six new wine brands to break into the Japan market.

This has resulted from the South Australian Wine Ambassadors Club (SAWAC) launching a Japanese chapter after a state government trade mission last year.

Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion met with SAWAC ambassadors in Japan last week to acknowledge their important roles in driving recent growth as they build long-lasting relationships with local wine producers.

A growing interest in SA wine in Japan is reflected in latest ABS figures, which show the State’s wine exports to Japan increased by 17 per cent in the 12 months to January 2023, with a value of $25.2 million. 

At the same time Japan’s largest online retailer, Rakuten, is delivering big SA food and wine boost.

Described as the Amazon of Japan, the platform boasts more than 100 million Japanese users.

McLaren Vale’s Hither and Yon and Mount Jagged’s Pet Snacks have joined the ‘Tasting South Australia’ brand, established on the Rakuten platform to promote SA beer, gin, wine, honey, almonds, seafood, sweets and more.

Meanwhile in Europe, the German market says ‘ja’ to SA wines, with Fleurieu wineries joining an elite international trade fair this week.

The McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek regions will be represented at the fair, with Gemtree, Ministry of Clouds and Bremerton Vintners among those attending.

Trade Minister Nick Champion says SA winemakers and grape growers are forward-thinking, innovative and at the forefront of sustainable winemaking.

“Japan has a growing thirst for South Australian wine and it’s fantastic to see our wine ambassador program delivering such great outcomes within just a few months.

“Our presence on platforms such as Rakuten is ensuring that South Australia becomes a familiar brand and name within the Japanese market which is yielding positive returns for our producers. 

“We know Japanese consumers are increasingly willing to seek out quality – and our food, wine and beverage sector is world-class.”

In year ending January 2023, South Australian wine exports to Germany were valued at $17.7 million and represented 86 per cent of the total value of Australian wine exports to the country. 

Germany is the 14th largest export market for South Australian wine.