Wines Sales and Jobs Continue Strong Growth

(Wines&Vines) - Strong growth in direct-to-consumer sales and intense winery hiring activity kept all key wine industry metrics positive in May.

According to the latest Wine Industry Metrics report by WinesVinesDATA, the Winejobs.com Index grew by 32% over last year. Job offers in the hospitality sector fueled much of the growth, but hiring in other categories was strong as well.

Tasting room managers are boosting their staff numbers in preparation for a summer season that could be much busier than recent years, and winemakers are hiring interns for the fall harvest.

 Off-premise, DtC sales solid

DtC sales in May were up 17% in both value and volume over 2012. Total value grew to $127 million, and wineries shipped 318,061 cases, according to the Wines & Vines/ShipCompliant model.

In the off-premise sector, wine sales posted a steady 6% gain in value over 2012 but only a 1% increase in volume. Average prices are up 5%. In the past 12 months through May sales totaled $5.2 billion. The top sellers in this channel continue to be the largest U.S. brands. According to analysis by Chicago, Ill.-based market research firm IRI and Wines & Vines, E. & J. Gallo and Constellation Brands accounted for half of the top 20 brands by off premise sales.