Japan Market Update 2026

Sarah is a highly experienced leader, with more than a decade of experience leading marketing initiatives across the Asia Pacific region. Raised in the Adelaide Hills, she began her career after graduating from the University of South Australia, gaining international experience in the UK before moving into wine and spirits marketing with Moët Hennessy and Diageo. Sarah has managed major regional partnerships and projects across Asia Pacific and brings a global perspective shaped by roles in Australia, the UK and Asia.

Dr Naomi Verdonk combines expertise in regulatory analysis, winemaking and consumer research. She holds qualifications in oenology, law and French, with postgraduate studies in wine science, legal practice, international wine law and wine business. Her PhD at the University of Adelaide explored Australian consumer preferences for sparkling wine. Naomi has completed multiple South Australian vintages and lectured in viticulture and oenology. Since joining Wine Australia in 2021, she has advised industry, government and global trade bodies on wine market access, including labelling, compositional standards, duties, taxes and import procedures.

Angelica is a senior analyst in the Market Insights team at Wine Australia. Over the last ten years, her focus has been primarily insights on the wine export data collected through Wine Australia’s approvals process, as well as insights on overseas markets for Australian wine. Previous to working in the wine sector she spent five years working in the grains industry. She holds a degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Business Administration from Flinders University.

Kendall Draper is a proud Aboriginal woman, with a diverse background spanning national security, international relations, and trade promotion.

In 2016, Kendall commenced in the public service at the Attorney-General's Department. She then spent six years at the Department of Home Affairs before holding international postings across Southeast Asia. Kendall has experience in fostering global connections and facilitating investment opportunities and promoting Australian businesses on the international stage.

She holds a Bachelor of Justice Studies from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Digital Marketing and Communications from Monash University.

Rosemary MacDonald was appointed Japan Country Manager for Wine Australia in October 2022. In her role, she is responsible for leading the strategy to elevate the position and grow demand for Australian wine in Japan.

Over the past decade, Rosemary has built her marketing and business career in Japan. After graduating with a double degree in Japanese and International Business from the University of Wollongong, and gaining experience in Japan’s hospitality and tourism sectors, she became a Wine Ambassador for Pernod Ricard Winemakers in Tokyo. She then moved to Pernod Ricard Japan, where she held various Brand Manager positions for spirits, including Jameson Irish Whiskey and KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin.

Rosemary holds a WSET Level 3 qualification.