U.S. DRINKS RECORD AMOUNT OF WINE
The increase in wine consumption in the United States has helped vintners and growers recover from the wine glut brought on by the 2004 and 2005 harvests.
U.S. sales of wine surpassed an estimated 300 million cases last year for the first time, Jon Fredrikson said last week at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, the industry's largest trade show.
Before long, the U.S. will become the largest wine-drinking nation in the world as Americans grow more comfortable with the formerly “intimidating” beverage. The industry has “potential health benefits” and “improved marketing” to thank as wine increasingly becomes a part of everyday life.
But it's not all smooth sailing for U.S. wine producers. There is evidence more and more Americans are looking abroad as they grow more adventurous in their wine selections. And while we’re on the subject, bulk imports aren’t helping anyone on the home front.
Overall, sales of U.S. and foreign wines rose 3% in the United States last year, rising to 300 million cases. California wineries increased sales 2%, to 189 million cases, while sales of wine produced in the other 49 states dropped 1.3% to 23 million cases. But foreign wineries boosted sales 10%, to 88 million cases, Fredrikson stated.
Depending on who you are talking to, 2006 was either a strong or tough year. Wineries had a great year as consumption increased and grapes were sold cheaply. Grape growers, however, continued to struggle with low crop prices due to surplus supplies from a huge 2005 harvest in California as well as imports throughout the world.
Increasing competition from abroad and elsewhere in the United States is causing California growers to hope for a lighter crop this year to improve prices. Although last year’s crush wasn’t too bad, many in the industry insist growers need another year or two of smaller harvests before balance will be restored.
As a result, Nat DiBuduo of Allied Grape Growers has advised growers not to plant unless the grower has a viable contract for the grapes.
“Foreign competition will not go away,” he said. “We need to compete with them on quality and value.”
“We need to learn how to grow better grapes, quality grapes, cheaper.”
U.S. sales of wine surpassed an estimated 300 million cases last year for the first time, Jon Fredrikson said last week at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, the industry's largest trade show.
Before long, the U.S. will become the largest wine-drinking nation in the world as Americans grow more comfortable with the formerly “intimidating” beverage. The industry has “potential health benefits” and “improved marketing” to thank as wine increasingly becomes a part of everyday life.
But it's not all smooth sailing for U.S. wine producers. There is evidence more and more Americans are looking abroad as they grow more adventurous in their wine selections. And while we’re on the subject, bulk imports aren’t helping anyone on the home front.
Overall, sales of U.S. and foreign wines rose 3% in the United States last year, rising to 300 million cases. California wineries increased sales 2%, to 189 million cases, while sales of wine produced in the other 49 states dropped 1.3% to 23 million cases. But foreign wineries boosted sales 10%, to 88 million cases, Fredrikson stated.
Depending on who you are talking to, 2006 was either a strong or tough year. Wineries had a great year as consumption increased and grapes were sold cheaply. Grape growers, however, continued to struggle with low crop prices due to surplus supplies from a huge 2005 harvest in California as well as imports throughout the world.
Increasing competition from abroad and elsewhere in the United States is causing California growers to hope for a lighter crop this year to improve prices. Although last year’s crush wasn’t too bad, many in the industry insist growers need another year or two of smaller harvests before balance will be restored.
As a result, Nat DiBuduo of Allied Grape Growers has advised growers not to plant unless the grower has a viable contract for the grapes.
“Foreign competition will not go away,” he said. “We need to compete with them on quality and value.”
“We need to learn how to grow better grapes, quality grapes, cheaper.”
posted at 12:51 PM
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