Technomic says 2011 a good year for wine

WINE bested spirits and beer with a 4.6% rate volume growth in 2011—the largest percent gain achieved in adult beverage industry. The wine industry expanded in 2011 to reach 329.2 million 9-litre cases, according to data from Technomic's2012 WineTAB (Trends in Adult Beverage) report. Wine accounted for 10.5% of total adult beverage in 2011, up from 10.0% in 2010. This year, the wine industry is expected to lead again.

Technomic tracks more than 1,500 wine brands to reveal trends within the marketplace. According to the new report, table wine comprises 92% of total wine volume and 89% of retail sales dollars. Both table and sparkling wines achieved volume growth in 2011, whilstthose for vermouth and fortified wines declined.