US wine exports jump 30 percent in 2006

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — US wine exports jumped by 30 percent to 876 million dollars and 404.5 million liters in 2006, with 95 percent of the wine coming from California, the Wine Institute reported Wednesday.

The Institute, which represents more than 1,000 California wineries and related businesses, said in Europe -- where the US ships more than half of its sales abroad -- exports surged 48 percent by value while in Canada they grew 29 percent by value.

The total amount of liters shipped abroad -- 404.5 million -- represents a four percent increase over 2005.

Other major growth markets outside of Europe and Canada include China, up 53 percent by value, Singapore, up 68 percent, and Hong Kong, up 19 percent.

"The growth is impressive considering the...