German Wine Imports Show Significant Gains in 2000NEW YORK - April 11, 2001 According to the National Association of Beverage Importers (NABI), German still wine imports to the U.S. gained 23 percent in volume last year compared to 1999. This was the greatest percentage increase of any major import country with the exception of Australian wine imports which grew 38 percent. Total value for German wine imports was also up in 2000, gaining 11 percent, while the value per liter declined slightly, probably due to the strength of the U.S. dollar against the Deutsche Mark. The German Wine Information Bureau attributes the positive climb to an increase in consumer demand for Riesling, Germany's premier varietal. "More and more consumers are discovering and enjoying our Riesling wines in a variety of taste styles," said Carol Sullivan, executive director of the New York-based Bureau. "Increased availability of new dry-style wines both on- and off- premise is having a noticeable effect. Consumers are beginning to recognize and respond to the diversity of taste-style presented by German Riesling and the high level of quality found in the wines exported to the U.S." |
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