The United States is now largest market for wine in dollar sales. Consumer demand for wine has been growing steadily, with 2009 being the sixteenth consecutive year of charted gains in total wine sales. Although the United States is the fourth largest wine producing nation, imports accounted for 31 percent of total U.S. sales in 2009. The US has become the most attractive target market for international wine producers. The most significant growth in US wine sales has been in varietals of wines from “New World” countries, including Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. In many of these regions, it is difficult to meet the market demand for high quality wine while ensuring that grape growing communities have access to safe and fair working conditions, receive adequate pay and prices for their wine grapes, and guarantee that costs of living are covered. Fair Trade Certified guarantees producers a set minimum price for their grapes, workers a living wage and wine producing communities funding for community development programs.
Community Investment: A new credit program provides financing to an estimated 48 solidarity groups, including about 259 women, to cover expenses for several activities promoting food security in rural communities.
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