THEY DON’T DRINK A LOT BUT A LOT OF THEM DRINK: THE U.S.A. IS THE NUMBER ONE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IN WINE CONSUMPTION. IN 2010 THE STATES TOASTED WITH 329 MILLION 12 BOTTLE CASES OF WINE. THE “GOMBERG-FREDRIKSON” REPORT REVEALS THE NUMBERS

Americans do not drink a lot , but a lot of them drink, so the United States of America has became the first country in the world in wine consumption, surpassing France. The news comes from the Gomberg-Fredrikson Report that has monitored wine consumption in the U.S. since the 1940’s. Americans drink less than 10 liters of wine per capita per year, but all together (320 million citizens, plus tourists!), in 2010 they consumed 329 million 12 bottles cases, compared to the French, who “only” consumed 320 million.
A market which, in the retail channel alone, is worth 30 billion dollars and despite the economic problems, showed an increase of 4% in value in 2009. It is the target market for imports (Italy is the leader), but also counts strongly on domestic production. California wines represent 61% of American wine consumed at home (data from “The Wine Institute”).
The best growth performance are sparkling wines: consumption increased by 10% (representing 4.6% of total consumption), a sign that they are more and more popular among Americans, even for everyday use, besides special occasions, such as holidays and anniversaries.
Wine consumption is growing despite the fact that some distribution channels are still highly limited: selling wine in grocery stores is still prohibited in New York, one of the States that consumes the most wine. This is because, even though businesses have put pressure on the New York governor Andrew Cuomo, he has rejected the proposal to allow wine to be sold outside of liquor stores and wine shops. But, of course, occasions to drink wine are not lacking and some are quite novel: in Napa Valley, where the phenomenon of wine tourism began, they have invented the limousine wine tour, where in total luxury and relaxation, wine lovers can taste wines, visit wineries and meet the most talented and influential wine makers in America
(www.elitelimo.net).
This is wine business, too!