Fact: Wine shipment statistics show that 2012 was the year of the Red. Three wine types accounted for more than half of the online and mail order wine shipments: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and red blends (cabernet Merlot and other blends).
What it means to you: Put more emphasis on these reds in your wine club offerings to increase customer satisfaction and boost sales.
Fact: 5 states have the most wine purchases (about 60%): California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Florida.
What is means to you: These are the states where you should seek licenses to ship direct to consumers because they will have the best return on investment.
Fact: The most sales occur in the 4th quarter of the calendar year.
What this means to you: To keep on budget, focus your marketing dollars on late fall campaigns to attract year-end holiday sales.
Fact: Small wineries account for more than 50% of national wine shipping, but only 5% of national production.
What this means to you: If you are a small winery, you can’t afford to ignore online sales and wine clubs. They will improve the bottom line.
Fact: Sales increased most for highest and lowest priced wines, but sales are fairly proportionate among price categories overall.
What this means to you: Promote your wines at all price points.
Any predictions for the 2013 statistics? What trends are you seeing in your wine sales?