NEW ZEALAND EXPORTS TO U.S. GROW 27%

New Zealand wine exports have risen 36% over the past year to hit NZ$700 million and 76 million liters. The UK was the top export market, with sales rising 36% to NZ$227 million. The US came in third, behind Australia, with sales growing 27% to NZ$176 million.

New Zealand Winegrowers chair, Stuart Smith, says the 2007 vintage produced a crop of 205,000 tons, up 11% on last year.