KEY POINTS:
Becoming carbon neutral would help New Zealand winemakers fight off intense competition in key overseas markets, Prime Minister Helen Clark says.
Addressing the New Zealand Winegrowers conference today, Helen Clark congratulated the industry on boosting exports sixfold in the past eight years.
However she said foreign customers were becoming more discerning.
British authorities were also working towards some sort of food mile labelling, which could be ready as early as next year.
New Zealand had to be ready, she said.
"Everyone here is well aware of how intense the competition is in New Zealand's key wine markets.
"That's why credible carbon neutral certification can be critical in giving New Zealand wines a competitive edge."
Helen Clark said local winemaker Grove Mill, which was the first CabonNZero certified winery in the world, had reaped the benefits in the British market.
Grove Mill supplied major British supermarket chain Sainsburys and had reported in May a doubling of its sales.
Carbon neutrality would also reduce vineyards' running costs due to reduced energy and water use.
"There is of course an upfront cost to individual companies wanting to gain carbon neutral certification.
"But they will also notice reduced costs to their bottom line and give added value to their brand."
Helen Clark credited the industry for the work it had already done towards sustainability.
As well as exports the industry was also doing a good job attracting high value wine tourists to its vineyards and wineries.
Helen Clark said New Zealand officials were talking to British authorities about the food miles issue.
- NZPA
