CALIFORNIA SEES RISE IN BULK IMPORTS

In the first quarter, shipment growth rates increased about 2% in California from the year before, likely stemming from a 10% growth in wines above $7 and a decrease in lower priced wines.

Bottled wine imports for the quarter were nearly identical to that of January-March of 2005. On the bulk side, however, imports were up over three times the level of the first quarter in 2005, according to the Gomberg Fredrikson Report. California’s bulk exports were down 3%, while bottled wine exports were up 6% for the quarter.