Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/279499
M E T R I C S O ff-premise sales of domestic table and sparkling wines reached $590 million in February, according to IRI. This 7% value increase over February 2013 matched the 12-month growth rate of 7%. Imports grew less than 2%. Red blends/Meritage wines grew the fastest of any major varietal or type during the 12 months ending in February. Sales of red blends/Meritage including domestic and imported wine in the 750ml size reached $76 million, an increase of 20% in value and 19% in volume at the food, drug, liquor and convenience stores monitored by IRI, a Chicago-based market-research firm. Volume surpassed 4 million cases. Red blend sales in the 1.5-liter size accounted for another $3 million, and the category grew by 6%. Red blends hot at $8-$10.99 Sales of red blends/Meritage wines were unusually concentrated in one price segment. Red blends priced from $8 to $10.99, including such domestic brands as Apothic and Ménage à Trois, far outstripped sales at other price points during the 12 months ending in February, according to IRI. Among top-selling varietals, Fumé/ Sauvignon Blanc had the second-highest growth rate in 750ml packages, and Pinot Noir was No. 3. Cabernet Sauvignon also grew 9%, a hefty increase considering its much larger base of $1.04 billion and 9 million cases. Syrah is not shown on the accompanying graph because its total sales were smaller than these eight types. Its sales dropped by 12%. Wines in boxes priced at the equivalent of $3.50-$4.99 per 750ml were the fastest growing domestic category by price, increasing 20% during 12 months. Glass bottles at $20-plus per 750ml had the second-highest growth rate in value, going up 18%. Their volumes contrasted, however—the boxed category moved 4.2 million case equivalents, and the high-end bottles moved only 824,000 cases. Domestics have 80% market share Domestic table wine took an 80% market share by value and 83% by volume. California alone accounted for 73% by value and 78% by volume. Washington state garnered 5% by value and 3% by volume. —Jim Gordon M E T R I C S Call your Associate today for competitive financing! Fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans Dana Cummings Kennewick, WA, 509-783-9191 Scott Gay Napa, CA, 707-477-2425 Josh Gervase Escalon, CA, 209-608-0321 Bill Sciacqua Fresno, CA, 559-470-6448 Brendan Feder Visalia, CA, 559-312-4437 Jonathan W. Holbrook Food & Agribusiness, 559-470-6444 Agricultural Investments Your lender of choice for agricultural capital. © 2014 METLIFE, INC. © '14 PNTS www.metlife.com/ag Custom made - Handcrafted Barrels W i n e s & V i n e s A P R i L 2 0 1 4 11 Off-Premise Sales Continue 7% Climb Top Sales Growth Rates by Varietal Source: , Wines & Vines -5% 0 5% 10% 15% 20% Total table wine in 750ml format, 12 months through February 2014 red Blends/Meritage Fumé/sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir cabernet sauvignon Pinot Grigio/Gris riesling chardonnay Merlot Red Blends/Meritage Sales by Price Segment Source: , Wines & Vines $3.50- $4.99 $5-$7.99 $8-$10.99 $11-$14.99 $15-$19.99 $20-plus $ Millions $300 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 0 Current 12 Months Previous 12 Months 12 months through February 2014