Groser sees benefits from wine labelling agreement
A key boost for New Zealand producers is enhanced access to overseas markets.
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Trade Minister Tim Groser has welcomed the new Treaty Protocol on Wine Labelling, agreed by members of the World Wine Trade Group.
In 2007, the WWTG negotiated a Treaty on Wine Labelling which set new standards in the field.
The protocol takes this further by requiring participant countries to allow the importation and sale of wine from other signatories, provided it meets minimum standards for labelling (relating to alcohol tolerance, variety, vintage and wine region) and the exporting country’s laws and regulations.
The key benefits for New Zealand producers are that, once in force, it should provide enhanced access to overseas markets and better predictability about regulation.
It will set a useful benchmark for WWTG observer countries and other non-members, Mr Groser says.
“I’m pleased that New Zealand has marked its year as chair of the WWTG by the negotiation of this protocol.
“New Zealand welcomes this co-operative approach which helps all WWTG members and others with whom the group is sharing information.
"That has been the case for our industry, which has seen its exports top $1.2 billion annually despite difficult economic conditions.”
Since 1998 the WWTG has been a leader in encouraging a wide range of activities that will benefit trade in wine and provide improvement in the returns for producers in New Zealand and elsewhere.
The WWTG comprises eight non-EU wine producing countries that now account for almost a third of total global wine exports.
Apart from New Zealand, member states are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Georgia, South Africa and the US.
Some other wine-producing countries, such as Brazil, China, Mexico and Uruguay, attend as observers.
NBR staff
Thu, 28 Mar 2013
Thu, 28 Mar 2013
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Groser sees benefits from wine labelling agreement
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