Accolade Wines have been named South Australian Exporter of the Year and winner of the 2021 Premier’s Export Award for Agribusiness, Food and Beverage at the awards presentation held in Adelaide.
Despite it being one of the most challenging years for exporters due to COVID-19, market access and supply chain disruptions, South Australian goods exports reached $13 billion for the first time in the state’s history.
Premier Steven Marshall said, “South Australian exporters have shown their resilience and their ability to adapt to economic changes and challenges…
“To emerge from the challenges of the last 18 months and to record the highest year on year increase since January 2012, is testament to the quality of South Australian products and services on offer. Our exporters are playing a critical role in the economic recovery from this pandemic and driving the growth of South Australia’s economy.”
Both Accolade Wines and Bec Hardy Wines are beneficiaries of South Australia’s new $5.4 million Wine Export Recovery and Expansion Program being rolled out over 4 years to support companies to diversify into new markets and grow sales of premium South Australian wines across the globe.
Derek Nicol, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Accolade Wines said, “From our first grapes tread at Hardys winery in 1853 to becoming one of the biggest wine companies in the world, exports have always played a significant role in making our Australian wines some of the most loved around the world.
“The awards are huge achievements for our team, and they recognise our roots in South Australian heritage, the strong connection to regional communities across the state, and our truly global presence across 130+ markets.
“The South Australian Government continues to cultivate an excellent business operating environment for the entire wine industry and we thank Premier Marshall for recognising our achievements in export growth over the last 12 months. We are looking forward to another fantastic year ahead.”
Currently, South Australia’s wine exports are valued at over $2 billion, accounting for 70 per cent of the total value of Australian wine exports in 2020.