U.S. retailers are turning to table grape imports as the local harvest period comes to an end. Imports are being sourced from Peru, Chile, Brazil, and South Africa. Peru has exported a total of 41,014,134 8.2kg boxes of grapes, with 56% of them destined for the U.S. Brazil has exported 5,473 containers, with 3,923 shipped to the EU and 1,453 to the U.S. Chile started shipping grapes to the U.S. four weeks earlier than last season and has already exported 1,279,642 boxes by week 51. Cold storage reports indicate a 66% reduction in grape volumes compared to the previous year [1792e1f9].
The decrease in grape volumes in cold storage is causing concerns about the availability of grapes in the U.S. market. However, imports from Peru, Chile, Brazil, and South Africa are helping to meet the demand. Peru, in particular, has exported a significant number of grape boxes to the U.S., with 56% of its total exports destined for the country. Brazil has also contributed to the imports, with a portion of its containers shipped to the U.S. Chile has started shipping grapes earlier than last season and has already exported a substantial number of boxes to the U.S. [8e194d23].
The wine industry in the United States saw a slight increase of 0.5% in wine imports in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. However, the overall value of wine imports fell by 5.3%, influenced by a decrease in the average price per liter. The imports for the first three months of 2024 reached 316.2 million liters, with a total expenditure of 1.561 billion dollars. The average price per liter dropped to 4.94 USD. France dominates the market in terms of price, followed by Italy, Spain, and New Zealand. The drop in the average price per liter can be attributed to increased competition among wine exporters, a shift in consumer behavior towards more affordable options, and economic uncertainties. France's dominance suggests that American consumers highly value the prestige and quality associated with French wines. Italy's strong presence indicates a broad appeal of Italian wines that offer both quality and value. The nuanced landscape of wine imports in the U.S. signals a dynamic market where quality, reputation, and pricing strategies play crucial roles [a961409d].
In the UK, Sky News has published a list of the best wines for the summer under £10 a bottle. The wines recommended include Minimalista Malbec, Sicilian Grillo, Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel, Canto Nono Alvarinho, M&S Found Agiorgitiko, M&S Found Organic Verdil, Agramont Garnacha Old Vine, Duca di Castelmonte Zibibbo, Specially Selected Australian Cabernet Franc, Unearthed Custoza Bianco, Maree d'ione Organic Nero di Troia, Azevedo Vinho Verde, Extra Special Barossa Shiraz, Santodeno Grillo Sicilia, Cidade Branca Alentejo, and The Best Verdeca. The article also mentions the availability of a Supermarket Wine Finder app for personalized recommendations [f5ba0ab4].