More wine businesses visiting China and the USA to build their exports will benefit following a 50 per cent increase in funding for the Wine Export Grants program.
The total pool of funding for the Wine Export Grants program has increased to $1.5 million, in recognition of the high demand for the grants.
Wine Export Grants of up to $25,000 are available for small and medium wine producers to reimburse 50 per cent of specific export promotion expenses.
Wine Australia chief executive officer Andreas Clark said the $500,000 boost is welcome news for wine producers.
READ: Australian wine exports to Germany grow by $10 million in one year
“Since the grants opened on 2 January 2018, we’ve approved more than $500,000 of funding for participation in international tradeshows, and a high volume of claims is currently undergoing assessment.
“This funding boost means more support for wine businesses looking to grow their exports, or secure new distribution channels, in the key markets of China and the USA,” said Clark.
The grants are a key component of the Australian government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package, which aims to drive demand for wine exports and showcase the nation’s wine tourism.
Administered by Wine Australia, the program invites eligible wine producers in Australia to apply for reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 for 50 per cent of specific export promotion expenses.
Eligible claims include:
- reimbursement of travel expenses for a single promotional visit to China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and/or the USA
- the cost of providing free samples of the wine you’re promoting for export
- participation in trade fairs and in-store promotions, and
- marketing and advertising.
Each eligible wine producer can only receive the grant once within the duration of the grant program.
The grants are open for applications until May 1, 2020, or until the funds are exhausted.