It is positive to see that export value has only seen a 2.4% decline, with Rand per litre on a whole, showing marginal growth as producers navigate rising costs, shipping challenges and shortages in the supply of packaging goods.

A total volume of 368.8 million litres of wine left our shores in 2022, some 20 million litres less than in 2021. These exports totalled R9.9 billion Rand in value, down from R10.2 billion in 2021. The decline can mainly be attributed to shipping constraints at the port of Cape Town.

The total price per litre increased by 2.2%, mainly supported by the 5.3% increase in bulk Rand per litre. Bulk wine exports equate for 62% of total export volumes, however, in terms of value contribution, packaged wine is by far the value leader at 77%.

The UK, SA’s largest wine export market, where the perception and quality offering of South African wine has grown over the past decade, continued to show growth of 5% in volume.

The Chinese market, which previously showed exponential growth for SA wine, has slowed down due to the extended extreme lockdown measures imposed by the Chinese government.

In our second largest market, Germany, a decline of 17% in value and 9% in volume could be attributed to a number of factors. These include rising inflation in Germany & an increase in living costs.

The performance of exports into Africa is noteworthy from both a volume and value perspective.

WoSA CEO, Siobhan Thompson comments, “The recovery of exports was hampered in 2022 by various factors out of the control of our producers. During the months of April and October, exports were directly impacted by the weather conditions and strike action in the port of Cape Town. Furthermore, the shortage of shipping containers, as well as packaging materials, caused additional challenges.”

She continues, “On a positive note, the image of South African wine continues to grow with South African wine being awarded various top accolades and ratings in a host of competitions and professional ratings.”

“For the first time in several years, we are due to have a major presence at ProWein Germany in March 2023, in Hall 14, stand A70 to C80. We expect 2023 to be a very successful year for South African wine exports.”

Rico Basson, MD of Vinpro, states, “Our SA producers and exporters should be commended for the responsible manner with which they approached the marketing of wine during the past year. Our exporters remained focused and notwithstanding massive cost pressure, supply chain disruptions and surplus stock did not follow a short-term approach to discount their product, which would have eroded the work that was done over the past few years to reposition SA wines.”

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