New Zealand wine industry committed to world class sustainability programme
29 Aug 2007
New Zealand’s wine industry aims to be the first in the world to go
sustainable and has issued a draft sustainability policy to be implemented by
vintage 2012.
The pioneering set of industry standards, known as Sustainable Winegrowing
New Zealand (SWINZ), provides a framework for companies to improve their
performance in terms of environment, social, and economic sustainability, in
both the vineyard and the winery.
All wine will need to be produced under independently-audited schemes, and
those that do not comply will be unable to participate in key industry events
like the London Annual Trade Tasting and the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
New Zealand Winegrowers’ CEO, Philip Gregan, believes that sustainability is
a key long term strategic issue for the on-going success of the industry.
"We believe sustainability will be the passport to trade. Our view is that if
growers and wineries are not able to produce and market wine sustainably, then
ultimately there will be no place for them in the international market."
The New Zealand wine industry is already a world leader in terms of
sustainability, the re-use of energy, and recycling. As a result, New Zealand
wines shipped to Europe by sea can have a smaller carbon footprint than wines
actually produced in Europe.
Visitors to New Zealand can see sustainability in action at a large number of
wineries, including, Ata Rangi, Mission Estate and Pernod Ricard.
At Pernod Ricard, one of New Zealand’s largest wine companies, a sustainable
framework was embraced in all their vineyards from the outset. They use
sustainable practices to regulate irrigation and to monitor pests and disease in
the vineyards. They been able to reduce water usage and cut the costs of
chemicals, labour and machinery without compromising the quality of the
grapes.
Pernod Ricard’s New Zealand national vineyards manager, Tony Hoksbergen,
believes it’s the most viable approach for the industry and that it makes sense
economically, reassures their customers, illustrates their innovation and, above
all, is good for the environment, the vineyard staff and the community.
For further information:
Philip
Gregan
New Zealand Winegrowers
Ph: 09 306 5555
Email: Philip@nzwine.com
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