Erica Crawford is the founder of Kim Crawford Wines. Photo / File
Erica Crawford is the founder of Kim Crawford Wines. Photo / File
Kiwi wines are hitting the spot in the United States, with new figures showing a big jump in sales.
Between 2011-2014, there was a 55 per cent increase in New Zealand table wine export sales to America.
Last year, there was a 19.3 per cent increase - 5.67 million cases- over the previous year.
The figures are reported by New York-based Shanken News Daily, which specialises in covering the global spirits, wine and beer business.
Kim Crawford, Oyster Bay, Nobilo, Starborough and Matua Valley were all granted a "Hot Brand" label in the report. All had double-digit growth last year.
Kim Crawford wines are made and exported by Constellation Brands NZ, based in Huapai. Managing director Sam Glaetzer said the figures showed New Zealand wines were world-class.
"Our success in the US and Canada is being driven by growth at the premium end of the market. Figures like these are great for our business. They demonstrate the increasing demand for good-quality New Zealand wines," Mr Glaetzer said.
Shanken reported the Kim Crawford brand had traditionally done well thanks to the popular pinot noir and sauvignon blanc varietals.
However, many Americans were taking notice of the brand's pinot gris and unoaked chardonnay.
Sales for Oyster Bay rose by 19 per cent, or 560,000 cases, last year. Matua Valley came out as the fastest-growing "Hot Brand" on this year's imported wine roster. Last year, the brand hit a 50 per cent growth in sales, reaching 278,000 cases.
