New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Chief Executive Officer Philip Gregan has been awarded a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by leading international publication The Drinks Business, recognising his significant contribution to the global wine industry.
The award acknowledges Philip’s leadership and influence over more than four decades, during which New Zealand has earned a global reputation for distinctive, premium and sustainable wines.
Philip said the recognition was deeply meaningful, particularly given the role the United Kingdom has played throughout his career.
“The UK has been an incredibly important part of my own wine journey,” he said. “It’s a market that has backed New Zealand from early on and has helped shape how we present ourselves to the world.”
He was quick to emphasise that the award reflects the collective efforts of the wider New Zealand wine community.
“This recognition belongs just as much to the people I’ve worked alongside over the past 30 to 40 years. This includes our NZW team, grape growers and wineries, as well as the importers, distributors, on premise, retailers and media in the UK who have championed New Zealand wine.”
During Philip’s tenure, the New Zealand wine sector has undergone significant transformation, with defining milestones along the way. These include the launch of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) in the mid-1990s, a programme that is now the cornerstone of the industry’s global reputation for sustainability. Along with the early adoption of screwcaps in the early 2000s, a bold innovation that was strongly supported by UK trade partners and media.
“The willingness of the UK trade and media to embrace innovation, including the move to screwcaps, was critical. It gave New Zealand producers the confidence to lead and differentiate on the global stage.”
Today, New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries, with the value exceeding $2 billion per annum. The UK remains a key market and a long-standing partner.
NZW Chair, Fabian Yukich, said Gregan’s leadership has been instrumental in building the industry’s success.
“Philip’s contribution to New Zealand wine is immense. His hard work, integrity and collaborative approach have helped shape an industry that is globally respected for its quality, sustainability and innovation.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award from The Drinks Business recognises individuals who have made an enduring impact on the international wine and spirits sector.
“While it’s an honour to be recognised personally, this really reflects what we’ve achieved together as an industry,” Gregan said. “New Zealand wine has always been a team effort.”
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For further information contact:
Chrissy Powlesland
Communications Manager, New Zealand Winegrowers
+64 21 331 398
Chrissy.Powlesland@nzwine.com
EDITOR NOTES:
Philip Gregan announced his retirement as CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers last year; he will leave his role at the end of June 2026 after 43 years of service to the industry.
The Drinks Business Lifetime Achievement Award was presented at the London Wine Fair to Chris Stroud, NZW UK/Europe Manager, on behalf of Philip Gregan on 19 May 2026.
NEW ZEALAND WINEGROWERS
New Zealand Winegrowers is the national organisation for the country's grape and wine sector, with over 600 grower members, 700 winery members, and directly employing over 7,000 New Zealanders each year. nzwine.com
NEW ZEALAND WINE
- New Zealand wine is exported to more than 100 countries
- New Zealand produces just over 1% of the world’s wine
- New Zealand wine is New Zealand’s sixth largest export good
- New Zealand wine exports for 2024 were $2.1 billion
- View reports and statistics here