Many of the challenges we have faced resulted from factors beyond our control, including a global pandemic and the wild cards dealt by Mother Nature, including the small vintage of 2021, followed by our largest ever vintage in 2022. More recently we have seen 100-year floods and subsequent damage.

Throughout this turbulent time the Marlborough wine industry has continued to prove itself as mature, resilient, connected and

organised. It is these traits that have helped us move forwards, rather than succumb to the pressures around us.

Our people deserve celebration and thanks. It goes without saying that the workforce - in the field, in our wineries and in the operational side of the industry - have dug deep to create success for the businesses they are part of, and for New Zealand Inc, which benefits from a strong wine sector. Without this drive and determination, we wouldn’t have managed through this chaotic period.