Australian Wine Exports Rise
The Australian wine export market, which in 2013 accounted for over 65% of all sales, has recently seen some positive market signals, including a low Australian dollar, an increase in imports of Australian wine by China, and the signing and implementation of Trade Agreements between Australia and trading partners China, Japan, and Korea. According to wine industry law firm Finlaysons, Australian winemaking is at a crossroads, with some operators contemplating closing due to price pressure, while others are viewing the climate as an opportunity to expand operations and invest in capital. As suppliers to the industry we have witnessed expansion and growth in many wine production operations.
Filtration plays a significant role in bottling plants. Apart from the product itself, filtration can apply to the water used to clean bottles and air and gas required for the bottling process. The aim is to prevent microbes and contaminants reaching the finished product, and thus reduce the chances of spoilage. As more and more Australian wine is being exported, and given the significant lag between production and consumption for exported wine, product stability and shelf-life have become increasingly important factors.