Minister for Trade announces wine country managers for Japan & Korea

Rosemary Macdonald and Suzie Chung have been appointed as Wine Country Managers for Japan and Korea, respectively and were introduced by Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell in Tokyo and Seoul last week. They are tasked with promoting Australian wine in these key export markets.

Mr Farrell said, "I know from personal experience it has been a difficult time for Australia's wine industry. The growing demand in markets like Japan and Korea gives us real reason to be optimistic about the future. Trade diversification is a key focus of the Australian Government, and we are backing business to be ambitious and to look to new horizons to expand and grow sales."

Japan and South Korea are two key destinations for Australian wine, currently sitting at eighth and eleventh largest export markets by value respectively, with both regions growing markets for Australia wine exporters.

Australian Grape & Wine Chief Executive Tony Battaglene said, “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.”

Rosemary MacDonald (pictured above with Minister Farrell) has built her marketing career in Japan over the past 7 years, entering the wine industry as a Wine Ambassador in Tokyo for Pernod Ricard Winemakers. Her most recent role at Pernod Ricard Japan was as Brand Manager for KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin and other white spirits. She holds WSET level 3.

Suzie Chung (pictured right) is a distinguished wine journalist, educator, judge, influencer and author and has been successfully promoting New Zealand, Washington State and Oregon wines to Korean consumers throughout 2021 and 2022. She holds a WSET level 3, is a WSET Program wine educator and technical editor of the WSET textbook and was awarded Dame Chevalier de Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in 2017.

The Wine Country Managers initiative is funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) Program and supported by Wine Australia and Australian Grape and Wine. Austrade and the Australian embassies in each nation will run education seminars and marketing activities in Japan and Korea to pave the growth of the market in those regions.

Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Cole said, “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.”