Displaying remarkable energy and world-class ambitions, Spain has clearly joined the club of the major wine producers of the planet. Although the local grape varieties such as tempranillo, monastrell, albarino and verdejo are still favourites, wine styles have become more self-assured and now attract an international clientele. (Source: La Revue du Vin de France)

Canadian wine and spirits agencies sold $5 billion worth of wine in 2006-2007, a 9.5% increase compared to 2005-2006. In volume terms, the Canadians bought 405.7 million litres of wine, up 7.1% compared to the previous year. (Source: Le Quotidien)

Over the period 1998-2006, the world consumption of gin decreased by 17%, but the market is still a considerable one with 50 million cases consumed. The two leading consuming countries in the world are the Philippines who are clearly ahead accounting for 37% and the USA with 22% of total volumes. (Source: Revue Vinicole Internationale – The IWSR)

According to the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), exports of claret were up 9% in 2007 to an historic high of €1.39bn. Volume was also up 7%. Much of that growth was due to increased sales of wines in the €4.50 to €15 price range. (Source: Wine Business International)

Mongolia’s largest producer of alcoholic drinks announced it would seek to introduce its two Mongolian vodkas to international markets. Strategy expansion plan is based on two main factors: the first being the rapid sales growth of white spirits and vodka in the world with the trendy culture to drink cocktails. (Source: Mongolia Web News)

French wine exports to Germany grew by 6.5% in volume last year. A total of €624m worth of wine crossed the border. Among the wines of appellation, Bordeaux (+2% to 32.7 m litres) and the Rhône (+4% to 4.4 m litre) were the two winners. (Source: Wine Business International)

Statistics from the government’s National Wine Institute show that in the first two months of 2008 wine exports rose 40% over last year in value and 27% in volume. In February alone, exports grew 52% in dollar value. (Source: Decanter.com)