NZ wine exports show rapid increase since Korea-New Zealand FTA entered into force
The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, known as “The Kiwi Chamber,” will host its annual New Zealand Wine Festival events on Saturday, May 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the idyllic Waterfall Garden of the Grand Hyatt Seoul, and on Saturday, June 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Park Hyatt Busan. This year’s festivals, the ninth in Seoul and the fifth in Busan, will offer oenophiles an array of premium red and white wines from over 20 vineyards.
A major factor contributing to sales of New Zealand wine in Korea is the Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which eliminated a 15 percent tariff on wine imports as it took effect in December 2015. Nowadays, New Zealand is the 10th-largest wine exporter to Korea and more than 50 world-class Kiwi wine brands are available here.
“New Zealand wine exports increased 31 percent during the first full year of the Korea-New Zealand FTA,” remarked Dr. Tony Garrett, Chairman of The Kiwi Chamber. “This is a great story for Korean wine lovers who can now enjoy top-notch Kiwi wines at more affordable prices.”
Under the theme “Wine from the Other Side,” the two New Zealand Wine Festival events will offer wine lovers an opportunity to savor pure New Zealand in every glass. The theme encourages wine cognoscenti to take a journey across the equator from the hustle and bustle of Korean big city life to the other side of the world where the air is clean, the water is pure and the wine is exceptional.
“New Zealand has a unique geography and perfect climate which make its wines truly special,” explained Dr. Garrett. “With well over 700 vineyards spread across the country, consumers have a wide variety of vintages from Hawke’s Bay in the North Island to Central Otago in the South to choose from.”
In traditional New Zealand style, both hotels will offer a first-class New Zealand-themed culinary experience coupled with the finest service, including a superb outdoor BBQ-style buffet in Seoul and exquisite tapas buffet in Busan.
Both events will feature lucky draws with many outstanding prizes, including one economy return ticket to New Zealand for each event from sponsor Singapore Airlines.
Tickets for the individual events are 95,000 won for Kiwi Chamber members, 110,000 won for non-members and 120,000 won for at-door purchases. In the event of inclement weather, the Grand Hyatt Seoul festivities will be held indoors. For more information and registration, please contact chamber@kiwichamber.com or visit www.kiwichamber.com.
As part of a broader campaign, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise will also host its annual New Zealand Food Week from May 29 to June 3 at the Seoul Plaza Hotel. Food Week features high-quality food and beverage products and ingredients from over 20 participating New Zealand F&B companies, and includes a trade show, food and beverage tasting events, a wine seminar and a cooking demonstration by a Korean celebrity chef.