Grant to promote Aussie wines abroad

by S. C.

The Rudd Government has provided funding to Australia’s First Families of Wine to boost the profile of Australian quality wines overseas.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said $429,900 funding, from the government’s Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) program, is being used to present a series of promotional events in the UK.

“Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) is a collaboration of some of the most famous and trusted brands in the industry who have come together to promote and market quality Australian wines,” Mr Burke said.

“I am strongly supportive of the Australia’s First Families of Wine initiative – Australia makes some of the finest wines in the world and they deserve far more attention overseas.”

The events in Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh and London were conducted over a week to coincide with the prestigious London International Wine Trade Fair.

The UK is Australia’s second largest export market for bottled wine, worth almost $489 million a year.

“Australia’s First Families of Wines is an excellent example of the industry taking ownership of its future to ensure the long-term success and profitability of this important industry,” Mr Burke said.

Welcoming news of the grant, AFFW member Colin Campbell from Campbell’s Wines in Rutherglen said, “Following our successful launch in 2009, this grant will now assist us to take the premium Australian wine message to the wider global audience whilst also signalling a strong endorsement of the AFFW’s objectives”.

Promoting Australian Produce (Major Events) supports major collaborative events that encourage information exchange, promote innovation and boost productivity in the food, fibre and seafood industries.

Applications for grant funding under the program are open and will be assessed continuously until 28 February 2011.

To be eligible for funding, project activities must be completed by 30 April 2011.