Agriculture and wine tourism are two key drivers of the Western Cape's economic growth and development post the Covid pandemic. In 2021, agriculture was estimated to have contributed around 2.4% to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while tourism's contribution averaged just under 4%. More than half of the Western Cape's exports are agriculture related. The wine industry contributes more than R55 billion to the country's GDP. This industry is labour intensive and provides employment for 269 096 employees across the entire value chain.
The importance of the agricultural sector as a pillar of stability and growth, even during times of uncertainty, is no exception for the wine industry. For that reason, agriculture forms an integral part of FNB Business' book. The primary industry depends heavily on the financial sector for production finance and infrastructure development. This is also true for the secondary industry, which is an important earner of foreign exchange generated through the exports from the wine industry.
Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa's top selling and most-exported cultivar having sold more than 14.3 million litres in 2022. The industry's innovative wine making techniques and new Sauvignon Blanc styles emerging from the different wine regions across South Africa over the years, have drawn significant international attention and rewards.
Sauvignon Blanc South Africa has partnered with FNB thanks in part to the commonality of innovation as part of our DNA. We are proud to be associated with the 'Sauvignon Blanc Top 10' competition since its launch in 2007.
Our partnership philosophy rests on 3 pillars
Although the competition focuses on the top 10 producers, we would like to recognise and celebrate all the finalists, including those wine makers in the Sauvignon Blanc fraternity.
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