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Wine, Beer and Spirits to Korea

Eligible businesses can apply for free support to export NSW wine, craft beer, cider, spirits and alcohol-free alternatives to Korea. Applications closed on 12 February 2023.

Program dates

April to July 2023

Key event

In-person attendance at a bespoke NSW trade tasting event in Seoul Korea.

Why this market

Wine Intelligence named Korea as the second most attractive wine market in the world in 2020 and Aussie exporters have taken note, seeking to capitalise on growing levels of wine consumption. In-market promotions and business matching by Austrade together with industry has helped to grow wine exports by 33% in value since 2019 to reach A$46.0 million in 2021.

Revised tax laws and consumers seeking new and unique drinks have seen craft beer sales grow strongly over the last year or so, with some convenience store chains reporting up to 270% increase on 2021 sales. (Euromonitor: Beer in South Korea: June 2022)

Australia has also secured two Free Trade Agreements with Korea which may assist your products in being more price competitive compared to other countries.

Curriculum

Introductory session

  • Welcome session on 1 April 2023 (TBC)
  • Introduction to the Korean ecosystem and doing business in Korea
  • Access to 13 self-serve factsheets developed by the Export Council of Australia exclusively for Going Global participants
  • Access to Intellectual Property protection briefings from IP Australia

Market intelligence and cultural training

  • Market briefing and subsector-specific opportunities
  • Market specific business culture and etiquette
  • Introduction to alcohol retail ecosystem and doing business in Korea
  • Regulatory requirements

Potential partner search and introductions

  • Virtual or in person participation at a bespoke trade only tasting event with In-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW
  • Potential partner introductions
  • Targeted one-on-one business matching

Ongoing advice and follow up  

  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser 

Note: The curriculum is subject to change.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
  • Be export-capable and export-ready 
  • Have an employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
  • The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
  • The product or service is achieving sales already
  • Have a website featuring the product or service
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry method
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
  • Be willing to travel to the selected market (where and when travel is permitted) and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand. This program is not for aggregators, traders, or businesses who sell services to exporters

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

  • Already exporting to at least one overseas market
  • Be prepared to provide samples for trade event / sampling

The ideal participant

Ideal product categories:

  • NSW Wines
  • Craft beer and cider
  • Spirits
  • Alcohol-free beverages that are alternatives to the above

Businesses not eligible for this stream

  • Soft drinks, sodas, juices, bottled water
  • Businesses who participated in a previous round of Going Global Program “to Korea”

Information Session

An information session was held on 12 December 2022.

How to apply

Applications have now closed and applicants will be notified of the outcome around 28 February.

Note:  Apply for your preferred market - you can apply for and participate in only one stream.