New Zealand wines mark their 16th consecutive year of growth in the U.S. market in 2024, as reported by Impact Databank.
The country was the only one among the top ten wine suppliers to the U.S. to achieve a rise in volume sales.
In a statement released on Thursday, Impact Databank said, “This resilience underscores the enduring appeal and premium positioning of New Zealand wines, which remain a bright spot in an otherwise declining import sector.”
In IRI/Circana channels, sales of New Zealand wines priced at $15 or more per 750 ml bottle experienced an increase of 14.4%, far exceeding the modest 0.8% rise seen in wines priced under $15.
Meanwhile, white wines remain the primary piece of New Zealand’s wine exports to the U.S., accounting for about 95% of all shipments.
Within the white wine category, Sauvignon Blanc is the leading variety, making up more than 90% of the total volume exported.
The positive trend has continued into 2025, with dollar sales in IRI/Circana channels increasing by 1.4% year-to-date as of February 23. This contrasts with declines elsewhere: a 7.6% decrease in overall imported table wine sales and a 6.1% decrease in total table wine sales.
“New Zealand wine’s sustained growth in the U.S. market underscores its strong consumer demand and distinctive flavours,” U.S. Market Manager for New Zealand Winegrowers, Ranit Librach, said.
Librach said New Zealand is well-positioned to enhance its standing as a global leader in the wine industry by maintaining its emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and adapting to changing consumer needs.
In a conversation with Morning Report, New Zealand Winegrowers director Fabian Yukich described NZ wines’ growth as good news.
“That publication goes out to a lot of people who make decisions about buying New Zealand wine, so it’s pretty important … that we’re getting all this good news from the US right now, where things are otherwise a bit gloomy in other parts of the industry … people see it, and they say, Well, we better order some more New Zealand wine,” Yukich said.