Spanish Wine Imports Maintain Growth in U.S.

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - February 19, 2009) - Despite a challenging economic environment, U.S. imports of Spanish wines grew in 2008. According to The Gromberg Fredrikson Report released Dec. 19, 2008, the value of imported Spanish table wines was up five percent through October of 2008. The value of imported Spanish sparkling wines increased nine percent, while still wines exceeding 14 percent alcohol content were up four percent.

"Given the recent change in U.S. consumer spending habits, the continued popularity and growth of Spanish wines is a true testament to the region's commitment to producing quality, distinctive wines without losing sight of tradition and affordability," said Katrin Naelapaa, director of Wines from Spain. "From established winemakers to innovative up-and-coming producers, the Spanish wine community continues to expand and offer a broad range of vintages at price points to accommodate any budget."

The value of Spanish wines grew slightly faster than the volume of wine imported. Overall, for the 10 months ending October 2008, Spanish wine case imports increased by two percent over the same 10-month period in 2007. Case imports of Spanish table wines grew less than one percent, and case imports of sparkling wines and still wines exceeding 14 percent alcohol content grew six percent and five percent, respectively.

Among Europe's leading wine producing countries, Spain enjoyed the healthiest growth in U.S. imports by far. Case imports of French wines were down 11 percent, German and Italian case imports each declined six percent and Portuguese wine imports dropped just one percent. According to a study by the Credoc French research center found that by 2015, Spain is poised to surpass France as the largest global wine producer in the world.

About Wines from Spain

Wines from Spain is a promotional division of the Trade Commission of Spain based in New York. For more than 25 years, Wines from Spain has been committed to promoting the awareness of Spanish wines throughout the United States through education, informational materials, special events and promotions. For further information on specific wine regions and producers, please contact: Wines from Spain, Trade Commission of Spain, 405 Lexington Avenue, 44th Floor, New York, NY 10174-0331 or visit www.WinesfromSpainUSA.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Katie Stringer katie@lanepr.com 1.866.448.1420