U.S. WINE MARKET INCHES UP

The US wine market has a little something to smile about as the new year begins.  Market research organization Mintel predicted a market increase of 2.1% by the end of 2OO9.  The growth represents a stabilization of a market which saw a 3.2% decline in 2OO8 at the peak of the financial crisis.  According to senior food and drink analyst Sarah Theodore, the wine market future is looking up and moderately-priced segments have particularly bright prospects.  Value wines have helped consumers rethink their perceptions about wine. She noted that the recession had been particularly beneficial to boxed wine.  The wine market grew by 2O% in the US between 2OO4 and 2OO9.