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New Zealand wine celebrates 30 years of sustainable winegrowing

New Zealand wine continues its push towards net zero by 2050, and next year marks 30 years of its Sustainable Winegrowing programme.

New Zealand Wine is preparing to celebrate 30 years of its Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme, an initiative considered by many as a global benchmark in sustainable practices within the wine industry.

Launched in 1995, SWNZ focuses on six key metrics: climate change, water, waste, plant protection, soil and people.

Though New Zealand contributes just 1% of global wine output, its exports account for 90% of New Zealand’s production, with strong demand from key markets including the UK, US, and Australia.

As Chris Stroud, New Zealand Wine’s Europe marketing manager, tells db: “Our wine continues to perform well and remains in strong demand, however, we recognise the challenges facing the global wine industry, with climate change being one of the biggest issues.”

In response, the organisation has doubled down on its environmental commitments, releasing a ‘Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050’ in August this year.

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Stroud adds: “New Zealand has always been at the forefront of sustainable practices. How our industry responds to climate change is crucial to our reputation as a producer of premium, sustainable wine.”

Broader trends

As people working in the industry know all too well, topics surrounding sustainability are naturally at the forefront of many conversations, and regions worldwide have no choice but to step up.

Sicily, for instance, leads Italy in organic viticulture, with 34% of the country’s organic vineyard surface located on the island. Initiatives like the SOStain Foundation promote sustainable practices through collaboration between wineries and researchers, focusing on holistic development that includes environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

Argentina is also making strides in sustainability through initiatives like the Sustenta-Vitis project, supported by Wines of Argentina, which focuses on promoting low-carbon practices throughout the wine industry.

These production-focused efforts are meeting an equally significant shift in consumer expectations. Recent findings from the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR) highlight the growing importance of sustainability among consumers, with a notable surge in demand for organic wines in 2024, particularly in key markets such as the UK and the US.

Looking ahead, as the industry braces for rising global temperatures and market expectations for green credentials, New Zealand’s proactive stance aims to maintain its competitive edge.

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