Tauranga based wine producer Steve Bird Winery and Vineyard is expanding into its fourth Asian market - Thailand.
The company has secured distribution for its Manu label with The World Class Company Ltd to extend into this market alongside current markets: Japan, China and Singapore.


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Manu Wines is a joint venture between Steve Bird, and American wine merchant David Duckhorn of Duckhorn Winery in California's Napa Valley.
"We see great potential for Manu in Thailand, building on the Asian base we've already established, where the wines have been very well received," says Steve.
"And World Class Wine Co will give us access to a wide range of businesses, from up-market restaurants to wine shops and hotels.
"Wine has a growing level of acceptance among Thai consumers and wines from Australasia have a great reputation, regarded as providing value for money."
Steve says Thai consumers favour red wine, but both red and white wines are popular with the country's large expatriate population, and foreign tourists.
Bird Winery will export Manu's Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir to cater for those tastes.
He says the entry into Thailand is in line with the company's export focus, which is to concentrate on Asia alongside his existing markets.