New Zealand wines now enjoy a smoother pathway into the United Kingdom market.
Last month in London, government officials and ministers from both countries convened for the joint UK-NZ ministerial trade committee, established to oversee the free trade agreement signed in 2022.
After the committee meeting, the UK officially approved the import of New Zealand wines produced using ammonium chloride, agar, alginic acid, and potassium ferrocyanide.
“The perception is that once you’ve signed, that the deal’s done, you never even think about it again … but certainly from the UK perspective, and I think it’s shared by the New Zealand government, that’s actually just the start of the journey,” British High Commission’s lead trade policy adviser, Frazer MacDiarmid, said during a conversation with Newsroom.
Meanwhile, Sarah Wilson, general manager for advocacy at NZ Winegrowers, said tighter regulatory alignment between the two countries is positive news for winemakers.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay also responded, saying, “This is exactly what the NZ-UK free trade agreement was meant to do – remove trade barriers, support regulatory alignment, and make it easier for exporters to get their products to market.”
For McClay, harmonising winemaking standards would provide local producers with increased flexibility to adopt modern methods while preserving market access and expanding trade opportunities.
“The UK’s move shows confidence in New Zealand’s production systems and highlights the kind of trust-based, practical trade relationships we’re focused on – ones that deliver real outcomes for exporters,” he added.