In the second half of 2007, The United States overtook the UK as the leading wine export market, largely due to the extraordinary popularity of German Rieslings amongst young American drinkers. Export sales to the US account for nearly €100 million, which is one quarter of Germany’s total wine export turnover. (Source: VSB)

With sales set to attain 30 million bottles, Crémant d’Alsace today represents 20% of all Alsace appellation wines sold and 30% of all French sparkling wines. Enjoyed mainly in the area where it is produced, it is also exported to neighbouring countries. The combined Crémant d’Alsace imports of Belgium and Luxemburg outstrip those of Germany. (Source: Le Figaro Magazine)

Brazilians drank 34.6 million cases of still light wines in 2006, making Brazil the second largest market in South America with 17% of the total, and sales growth of 31% compared to 1998. In the period 1998-2006, Brazil thus moved ahead of Chile, demonstrating its economic strength and the emergence of a middle class, whose standard of living increases regularly. (Source: Revue Vinicole  Internationale – The IWSR)

Peru claims to have increased its production of pisco by 120% between 2003 and 2007. In the first half of 2008, exports mainly to the US are reported to be up 35% reaching a value of about €498,000. Thus Peru appears to be ahead of Chile, while both countries claim that this grape-based spirit is their own national liqueur. (Source: VSB)

John E Fells & Sons will no longer be the exclusive UK distributor for Bordeaux producer Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s (BPhR) wines. Rothschild has announced a new distribution strategy for the UK, and BPhR will now deal with the UK multiples directly and it is establishing a system of regional agents. “We decided the best way to approach the UK is to go direct”, said trade relations manager for BPhR. (Source: Harpers)

Western Australian producer Palandri Wines will now be known as 3 Oceans Wine after being purchased by Chinese businessman Xibo Ma. He was previously the second biggest shareholder in Palandri. (Source: Harpers)

In the first half of 2008, imports of Argentine wine into the US exceeded 2.1 million 12-bottle cases, worth more than €48 million, an increase of 44.5% compared to 2007. (Source: VSB)