TARIFFS ON WINE ATTACKED

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33068, 8 November 1972, Page 2

TARIFFS ON WINE ATTACKED

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Nov 7. The New Zealand Government’s recent decision to raise tariffs on some imported wines was not in the interest of the country’s wine industry, Mr J. N. Hutchison, public affairs officer of the United States Embassy, said this afternoon at a wine and cheese tasting? sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Tourist Hotel Corporation.

Mr Hutchison, who is coauthor of “Wines of the World,” said he did not believe that the wine industry anywhere was served in the long run by high tariffs, import quotas, or other forms of protection. “I am convinced that the wider the range, in both price and variety, that is offered to the consumer, the faster his interest and consumption of ail wines will accelerate, and that when you restrict the import of wines (as you do) from the United States, you are only taking one more measure to suffocate the growth of wine drinking in general,” said Mr Hutchison.

"It is ironic that, at the moment that the New Zealand industry is actively interested in exporting wine to North America, New Zealand is raising substantially the barriers to imports of wines. I consider this a short-sighted step.” Mr Hutchison said he suspected the present overproduction of wines in New Zealand was the result of overplanting of high-produc-ing grapes not well suited to fine wine. More interest in quality, rather than volume, could correct this.

"I am aware of the reports of a glut of wine grapes and depressed prices this year in New Zealand, but if I may speak with candour, you do not have the surplus of grapes which most of the world would consider best for making wine. You have the soil, the climate, and the truly expert winemakers to exploit far better wine grapes than are now rooted in most of your vineyards, and you are growing and advertising varieties which are not prestigious in the world’s wine markets.” Mr Hutchison said there was an enormous potential market for wine in New Zealand, where per capita consumption was 1| gallons, while that of beer was 25 gallons.