In 8 years, Bordeaux wine exports to China have been multiplied by 21, from 200,000 litres to 4.3 million litres in 2007. Over the last two years, this growth has been especially fast: 158% in value and 82% in volume for the period 2006 – 2007. (Source: VSB / CIVB)

Armenian brandy production generated turnover of 2.1 million dollars in the first months of 2008, up 44.5% compared to the same period in 2007. Wine production, however, decreased by 29.7%, while vodka output and that of other alcoholic beverages increased by 1%. (Source: Nouvelles d’Arménie)

When a French consumer buys wine to drink, as a gift or to accrue value, what words does (s)he associate with it? “Enjoyable” (25%) is cited more than “sociable” (18%), “gastronomy” (11%), “meal” and “terroir” (8%), but only 7% of responses associated wine with “tasting”. (Source: Décision Boissons)

Rosé wine sales in UK have grown by 30% to reach a 10% market share, worth €567 million. The market share of rosé wine was only 4.9% in 2006 then 8% in 2007. (Source: VSB)

With 27,000 hectares (66,700 acres) of producing vines, the Burgundy wine growing area is four times smaller than all the Bordeaux appellation areas put together. However, Burgundy is extremely divided up with no less than 100 AOCs, the most recent of which was founded in 2003. Furthermore, each Burgundy AOC is broken up into 4 categories, totalling 562 first growths and 33 great growths – a record, even in France! (Source: Le Figaro)

In the 2007 – 2008 financial year, Rémy Cointreau posted its greatest organic growth (9.7%) since 2000 with turnover of €817.8 million.

All divisions reported profits: cognac sales of €362.3 million represented growth of 11.5%, liqueurs and spirits performed a little less dramatically with 4.3% growth and €211.7 million, but the real star was champagne with €142.4 million sales and growth of 15.4%. (Source: Décision Boissons)

After several years of increases, US champagne sales underwent zero growth in the first quarter of 2008, compared to the same period last year. Drops in sales began to be felt at the end of 2007 with a decrease in volumes of 6 to 7%. Since then, the trend has become firmer resulting in a 10% deficit compared to the beginning of 2008. (Source: Les Echos)