Grape production up 50pc

Grape production has been boosted by 50 per cent to just under 1500 tonnes this season by the New Zealand Wine Co.

The NZAX-listed Marlborough winemaker said yesterday that it had a record 2006 grape crush of just over 3000 tonnes in total, the remainder of which came from other suppliers. The amount of grapes crushed at the winery this year had exceeded 2005 by more than 800 tonnes.

Chief executive Rob White said production from new plantings accounted for the bulk of the rise in the winery's own grapes, but yields had also improved after a dip last year.

The increased production would help the company take advantage of growth opportunities in Britain and the US. NZWC produces Grove Mill and Sanctuary-labelled wine.

In January, the company reported a half-year profit of $413,000, up 4.1 per cent, and White said NZWC stood by a prediction that full-year profit would also increase 4 per cent.