GLOBAL WINE CONSUMPTION RISES FOR THE SEVENTH STRAIGHT YEAR

Global wine consumption has advanced for the 7th straight year in 2005 to 2.6 billion 9-liter cases, according to the latest edition of The Global Drinks Market: Impact Databank Review and Forecast. The majority of the increase can be attributed the US, the UK, and believe it or not, China. China was the world’s fastest-growing wine consuming nation last year, and is expected to rank behind France, the US and Italy in terms of total consumption by 2010.

After purchasing Vincor International, Constellation Brands strengthened its position as the world’s #1 wine marketer. However, the fastest-growing wines in 2005 include Yellow Tail, Concha y Toro and Jacob’s Creek in terms of volume.