New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has released its 2026 Annual Report, with exports reaching NZD 2.108 billion and export volume increasing to 306.2 million litres in the 12 months to June 2026.
The result reflected an overall sales increase of 8 percent driven by export growth and represents the industry’s second-highest June year total on record.
In the face of a challenging global and domestic environment, New Zealand wine continued to outperform the wider category in key markets, providing grounds for confidence in the long-term prospects of New Zealand wine.
At the same time, individual businesses across the sector were making adjustments. Vintage 2026 delivered a smaller harvest of approximately 440,000 tonnes, down a significant 15 percent from the previous year, bringing production closer to current market demand and supporting the industry’s focus on sustainable long-term growth.
New Zealand Winegrowers' Chair Fabian Yukich said the report showed an industry that was far from standing still.
“This has been a challenging year across the global wine industry, but New Zealand wine continues to show remarkable resilience,” said Yukich.
"What stands out is the determination of growers and wineries to adapt. Businesses in the sector are making adjustments; the progress made this year gives us confidence that it is moving towards a more balanced footing".
Yukich added that the Annual Report demonstrated the sector’s resilience as consumers around the world continue to discover, love and buy New Zealand wines.
“Our focus is on supporting members through the immediate challenges while continuing to strengthen the opportunities that will carry the industry forward.”
CEO Anishka Jelicich, who was appointed to the role in July, said the Annual Report marked the start of the next phase for NZW, guided by its new strategy to elevate and sustain the New Zealand wine industry by empowering its members, growers and wineries with the information, advocacy, and practical support they need to make well-informed decisions.
“Our role is to support the industry as a whole so that New Zealand wine can emerge stronger and succeed over the long term,” she said.
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