Vinpro, which represents close to 2,600 SA wine grape producers, cellars and wine-related businesses, said while the industry was slowly recovering from the significant impact that domestic alcohol and travel bans had on its revenue streams, producers were also confronted with an exponential increase in input costs.
“In view thereof and because the wine industry already complies with the excise incidence rate, we have made a formal submission whereby we requested and emphasised the dire need for special dispensation for the wine sector, including only a marginal adjustment in excise duties,” Vinpro MD Rico Basson said.
Vinpro said the 2022 wine grape crop will on average be much more expensive to produce than previous crops.