Bordeaux, January 18, 2018 – New worldwide data from Vinexpo for 2016 reveals the US – at nearly $34bn total value in still & sparkling wines – remains firm leader in global value.
The report forecasts that the US wine market will increase its global lead over the next five years. By 2021 US sales of still and sparkling wines are expected to reach just over $45bn in a global market expected to reach 2.66bn cases worth over $224bn.
What is more, the USA is expected to lead world wine volume growth in 2017 for the 23rd consecutive year when final outcomes are revealed later this year. The data, compiled for Vinexpo by IWSR, is considered among the most reliable of all market data for the wine and spirits sectors.
By contrast, the wine markets of Europe’s heavyweights – France, Germany and Italy – declined in value and volume in 2016, continuing a long-running trend.
Top 6 Import market leaders
Consumption is forecast to continue to grow to 2021, at a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 1%. Both local and imported wines will grow. New Zealand will be the standout performer in terms of imports to the US, with French wines also performing strongly.
- Italy (25.5 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: -1%)
- Australia (15.7 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: -1.4%)
- French (10.4 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: +2.8%)
- Chile (6.8 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: +0.5 %)
- Argentina (6.1 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: +0.5 %)
- New Zealand (5.2 million 9-litre cases imported in 2016. CAGR 2016-2021: +9.9 %)
US is bubbling
Sparkling wine is forecast to grow by on average 2% year-on-year to 2021, driven predominantly by North America. In Europe, the world’s largest regional consumer of sparkling wines, the outlook is also generally positive. Even though the UK (the world’s largest sparkling wine importer) is expected to develop strongly, it is will nonetheless be supplanted by the US as the world’s most important export destination by 2021. Prosecco is expected to grow most in the US, and in so doing the US is forecast to become the category’s second largest export destination, behind the UK.
US key generator of growth in spirits category
In the world of spirits, premium price points are generally performing better than value, with mainstream standard brands developing at a healthy rate.
From a small base, premium spirits are forecast to increase on average over 5% per year between 2016 and 2021, while ‘super-premium+plus’ categories are forecast to outstrip premium spirits, growing on average over 7%.
Scotch, US whiskey and gin are expected to grow as the global spirits market diversifies, driven by the trend to premiumisation.
With Bourbon barrel inventories at their highest level for 40 years, the popularity of US whiskies shows no sign of waning in the home market. Heavily tied to premiumisation and the craft movement, production is increasingly driven by small-batch and single-barrel brands. Growing interest in the category and demand for more niche products will also fuel growth in the US single malt subcategory.
Flavoured Bourbon and Tennessee whiskies remain the major drivers of growth within the category as they continue to challenge perceptions, attract new consumers and broaden consumption occasions. The rising status of US whiskey has ensured that premiumisation has been a major part of the category’s development in many regions, and will continue to be so.
The two key US whiskey export markets: Germany and the UK – will continue to perform strongly; Japanese consumers are also expected to increasingly choose US whiskey.
About Vinexpo
The company was established in 1981 on the initiative of Bordeaux Gironde’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Vinexpo organises wine and spirits events for industry professionals and acts as the sector’s international partner. The Group boasts over 30 years’ B2B experience and therefore has an in-depth understanding of the market as well as strong relationships with key distributors across the world. It runs exhibitions in five set locations (Bordeaux, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and soon Paris), and one touring show (Vinexpo Explorer). This means Vinexpo covers the three continents with the highest consumption rates and continues to be the market leader for wine events.
About Diversified Communications
Diversified Communications is a leading international media company providing market access, education and information through global, national and regional face-to-face events, digital products, publications and television stations. Diversified serves a number of industries including: technology, seafood, food service, natural and organic, healthcare, commercial marine, and business management. Based in Portland, Maine, USA, Diversified has divisions in the Eastern United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.divcom.com.