Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia have welcomed the announcement of two dedicated country managers for Australian wine in Tokyo and Seoul.
Country manager for Japan, Rosemary MacDonald, and Country manager for South Korea, Suzie Chung, were introduced at in-market ceremonies.
Australian Grape & Wine chief executive Tony Battaglene said he was delighted at the appointments, which were funded though the federal government’s Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program.
“Ms MacDonald and Ms Chung will be vitally important resources in two key markets that have been pinpointed for growth of Australian wine exports.
“The Australian government recognises the challenges facing exporters and has provided this investment to assist in the wine sector’s strategic and long-term efforts in Japan and South Korea,” Mr Battaglene said.
McDonald most recently worked as brand manager for KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin and other white spirits; Chung has been a journalist at Wine 21 Media since 2011 and is their international media cooperation manager.
Wine Australia CEO Martin Cole also welcomed MacDonald and Chung to the new roles that will be based with Wine Australia.
“These new roles demonstrate the commitment of the Australian government, Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia in supporting Australian wineries to diversify and intensify exports during a really challenging time.
“We welcome Ms MacDonald’s and Ms Chung’s extensive expertise in Japan and South Korea and look forward to their working closely with our wineries,” said Cole.
Japan and South Korea are two key destinations for Australian wine, currently sitting at eighth and eleventh largest export markets by value respectively, and both have opportunities for growth.
