5 Apr 2013

Tohu Wines eyes new export markets

7:11 pm on 5 April 2013

A Maori-run wine company in the top north of the South Island is aiming to export to more countries after promoting its wines with great success in the United States.

Tohu Wines is operated by Kono Beverages, which is part of the Wakatu Incorporation, and describes itself as New Zealand's premier indigenous wine company.

There are more than 400 wineries in New Zealand and Tohu Wines is in the top 30.

Chief Executive Mike Brown says, after a few years of setbacks due to the global financial crisis, the company's exports have continued to grow, particularly to the US - Tohu Wines' main export market.

The challenge now, he says, is to develop its business in Asia and continue its work in Europe, where it has set up a subsidiary company.