Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer
Local senior politicians are feeling “left out in the cold” after Chinese wine buyers failed to make a direct visit to the Riverland during a South Australian tour.
The State Government last week hosted a delegation of Chinese wine buyers that visited regions including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the value of Riverland wine to the state’s economy meant the region should have featured in the tour.
“The export re-engagement programs needs to have a Riverland component to it,” Mr Whetstone said
“We are the engine room, (and) we are an affordable, entry-level product.
“Not everyone can drink expensive, cool climate wines, and we know China is in an economic recession at the moment, just like many countries are globally.
“That’s why it’s important the Minister (for Trade and Investment Joe Szakacs)… supports the wine sector here in the Riverland. We too planted red grapes – mostly Shiraz – to cater for what was touted as the golden era of wine exports to China.”
Mr Whetstone said further clarification regarding how the Riverland would benefit from re-engagement with the Chinese market was required.
“This region is built on exporting a high majority of its produce, and wine is no different,” he said.
“We have geared up for global trading opportunities.
“I feel as though we’ve been left out in the cold when it comes to the re-engagement process with the Chinese buyers.
“It’s been more than six months since the tariffs were removed… (but) we’re not seeing the action on what the re-engagement process with China will mean in the Riverland.”
Riverland-based MLC, and opposition spokesperson for regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti said “we have plenty of Riverland Wine producers previously selling into the China market and it is important that they can benefit from any potential increase in trade”.
“It is important that industry gain access to a diverse range of market, China included, however it is disappointing to note that a number of regions, including the Riverland, missed out on this important tour,” Dr Centofanti said.
“All of our wine regions play an important role in the economic make up of our state and I would encourage the (State) Government to ensure that any future visit encompasses a whole of state tour.
“It would be interesting to understand how these areas were chosen to take part of the tour.”
However, a State Government spokesperson said options for Riverland wine producers to participate in the re-engagement program had been made available.
“Expressions of Interest to be involved in the China Wine Family program were sent to all wine regions, including the Riverland, to participate,” the spokesperson said.
“The Riverland was included in the Welcome Reception event at Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills on Sunday 1 December, which featured Unico Zelo- Estoerico’s Riverland wine. Representatives from the Riverland region and the executive officer of Riverland Wine were also present.
“Two Riverland wineries were recently supported through the State Government’s China re-engagement program to take part in Minister Szakacs’ trade delegation to Shanghai in August.”
Mr Szakacs said “there’s no equivalent to being on the ground, speaking to winemakers and experiencing the essence of our unique landscape to understand our wine, how it is made and what makes it so extraordinary”.
“Armed with this experience, the buyers will leave our shores equipped with business connections and a tangible understanding of premium South Australian wine,” he said.
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 11 December 2024.