US: California wine shipments dip for first time in 11 years

(NBBJ) - The volume of California wine shipments to U.S. markets last year dipped for the first time in 11 years, but retail value of that wine rose by more than 8 percent for the second straight year, according to recently released figures.

Meanwhile, shipments of wine to the U.S. from all sources increased 2.4 percent, and retail value, 5.2 percent to new volume and sales records, according to data compiled by Woodside-based industry analysis firm Gomberg Fredrikson & Associates and San Francisco-based advocacy group Wine Institute.

“Wine shipments to the U.S. market climbed by nearly 50 percent since 2001, and it is likely that American consumption will continue to expand over the next decade as wine continues to gain traction among American adult consumers,” said Gomberg Fredrikson principal Jon Fredrikson in a statement. “The amazing diversity of choices and exciting new offerings are attracting new consumers and boosting consumption. Among the key growth drivers are favorable demographics, a widening consumer base and increasing points of distribution in both on- and off-sale outlets. For example, Starbucks is now serving wine in some key markets, and Amazon.com and Facebook Gifts both sell wine online.”