PRODUCTION OF N.Z. BRANDY

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28700, 25 September 1958, Page 18

PRODUCTION OF N.Z. BRANDY

Winemakers In Favour

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. Sept. 24.

The production of brandy in New Zealand was highly practicable at the present time, said Mr G. Mazuran, president of the Viticultural Association, today. He was commenting on a report that the New Zealand Viticulture and Wine Advisory Committee believed the production of brandy in this country was not an economic proposition. Mr Mazuran, who is a member of the committee, said that most of the producer representatives on the committee were in favour of brandy being made in New Zealand. “The costs of commencing brandy production here should not influence the authorities at this stage,” said Mr Mazuran. “We should not base the future of a brandy industry on present prices of that made overseas.” New Zealand, with its high living standard, could not make brandy as cheaply as could those countries where the standard of living was lower, he said. This position might change soon, with overseas prices rising. “In 20 years we may be able to show the world we can make brandy equal to, if not better than, that produced overseas,” he said. “All that is stopping us from going ahead is the Minister’s consent. We have the knowledge, grapes and plant to do it.’