How automation can propel Australia’s wine export boom. ifm pops a cork
South Australia’s wine export industry is thriving, contributing significantly to the country’s $2.39bn wine exports in 2024. According to Wine Australia, exports surged by 34% in value between January and September 2024, with shipment volumes climbing 7% to 643 million litres—the highest volume seen in years.
Leading the charge, South Australia accounts for 52% of the nation’s wine production, followed by New South Wales (24%) and Victoria (15%). In 2024 alone, South Australia crushed 1.43 million tonnes of grapes, a 9% increase from the previous year.
“Maintaining a competitive edge while meeting growing demand means embracing new solutions,” said Darryl Blackeby, Regional Sales Manager for sensor technology leader ifm. “Automation is the key to scaling up and staying ahead in such a dynamic industry.”
Why automation matters
While larger wineries are already adopting automation to meet rising demand, many smaller producers hesitate. They often hold back because of concerns about cost, downtime, and disruptions to their artisanal processes.
“There’s a misconception that automation takes away the craft of winemaking,” Blackeby noted. “But the truth is, the right systems can enhance quality while addressing challenges like labour shortages and climate variability.”
He says automation helps wineries improve production monitoring, reduce waste, and adapt to environmental changes — all while preserving the artistry behind winemaking.
The ifm advantage
For over fifty years, ifm has been a trusted automation partner to the global wine industry. From harvesting to bottling, their solutions support every stage of winemaking. “Our approach is tailored,” says Blackeby. “Whether it’s a major winery or a small boutique producer, we offer cost-effective systems that are easy to deploy and deliver reliable results.”
Here are two solutions that can make a big difference:
Wine ferment monitoring
ifm’s PI sanitary pressure transmitter helps monitor tank levels, line pressure, and even pressurised tanks.
“For smaller wineries, we offer the Mini Ferment system, which includes two pressure transmitters, a temperature transmitter, and a small display for real-time monitoring,” Blackeby explained. “This system is perfect for testing on one fermenter, with the option to expand to multiple tanks later.”
Temperature control
Temperature consistency is critical in winemaking. Even slight fluctuations can affect quality and revenue.
ifm’s CR1203 HMI system manages up to 24 tanks, allowing wineries to monitor and adjust temperature settings with ease. It also supports remote monitoring and integrates with cloud platforms for greater flexibility.
“Our solutions are simple to use, built to last, and come with a five-year warranty,” Blackeby added.
The future of automation in wine
With South Australia’s wine industry set to grow further in 2025, Blackeby predicts a rise in automation adoption. “Many wineries already use ifm components, and as export demand increases, we expect more producers to scale up with automation,” he said. “Whether it’s a small upgrade or a complete system overhaul, our global experience ensures we can help local wineries stay competitive.”
ifm is a global leader in sensor technology, serving over 160,000 customers in 150 countries. Founded in Germany 56 years ago, the company specialises in innovative automation solutions tailored to industries like winemaking.