Wine Industry Report

According to the LCBO’s latest report, Spain has reached a 10 percent market share amongst wine importing countries

Spain is one of the Old World wine producing countries that has seen the fastest growth in its market share in Ontario, Canada, according to the report published by the Liquid Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) for 2006. Wines from Spain have increased sales by 20 percent, claiming a 10 percent share of the Canadian province’s wine market.

The Liquid Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) is the government agency responsible for regulating the sales of all alcoholic beverages in the province of Ontario. According to their report for 2006, the volume of wine imports grew by 4.5 percent in terms of volume, up to 78,528 Hl., or 70 percent of the market share. In terms of value, imports grew by 6.3 percent, or € 645 million, which stands for 77 percent of the market in this segment.

According to LCBO figures, the most popular wines in the province are locally produced, taking 22 percent of the market in terms of value and 30 percent in terms of volume. Australia is the leading foreign producer, with a 19 percent market share and a 7.5 percent increase over the past year. The second exporter is Italy, with a 16 percent share and a 1.6 percent growth. France comes third, with a 15 percent share, despite a 5 percent drop in terms of value over 2006. Finally, the US is the fourth wine exporter to Ontario, having increased sales by 5 percent in terms of value to secure an 11 percent market share.

On the other hand, Spain was the Old World exporter that saw the sharpest growth over the past year, increasing turnover by 20 percent up to a 10 percent market share.

[Source: Wines from Spain]