Value of Chilean Wine Exports to U.S. Increased 24% in 2007

Red blends and Sauvignon Blanc fueling growth in U.S. market, while Carmenere emerges as major market category

New York, New York, April 14, 2008 - According to the 2007 year-end Gomberg-Fredrikson Report, 31% of wines consumed in the U.S. are imported, with Chilean wines expanding by $40 million, solidifying Chile’s position as the fifth largest wine exporter to the U.S. with 4% of U.S. market share. In 2007, the value of Chilean wine imports jumped by 24% over 2006, while the number of cases entering the U.S. from Chile also rose by 13%, totaling over 6.5 million cases.

The report is available for purchase at http://www.wineryexchange.com.

The greatest growth occurred in Chile’s red blends, rising 33% over the past year.  In 2007, 1,034,300 nine-liter cases were imported to the U.S., an increase of 258,800 over last year.   Chilean Sauvignon Blanc also saw higher demand in 2007, increasing by 47%, with approximately 141,000 more cases than last year having entered the U.S. market.

“These numbers show Chilean wines are increasingly gaining favor among U.S. wine drinkers.  The increase in value and overall quantity underscore the acclaim that Chilean wines have achieved from top wine critics," said Juan A. Somavía, managing director of Wines of Chile.

Chilean winemakers continue to explore new growing regions and create exciting and premium quality wines, adding to the diversity and range that Chile has to offer.  As pioneering wine producers in Chile expand their exports, more varietals are starting to gain recognition.  For the first time ever, import data of Chile’s unique varietal Carménère was recorded as well as Chilean Pinot Noir and Syrah. Only produced in Chile, Carménère has a unique history as well as a broad range of tastes and subtleties that make interesting and exciting wines. These three varietals account for a combination of over 356,600 nine-liter cases in 2007.


About Wines of Chile
Wines of Chile is a marketing organization representing seventy-seven Chilean wineries with offices in Santiago, Dublin, London, New York, and Washington, D.C. Wines of Chile was founded in July of 2002 to promote Chilean wine around the world through strategic marketing and promotional activities.  For more information please visit www.winesofchile.org.