ANOTHER PROFITABLE MONTH FOR WINE

For the 4-week period ending September 10, IRI reported that table wine sales were up 10.6% and 9.8% YTD, moderating slightly from 11.1% in August. Volume rose 4.5% in September, surpassing last September’s 1.9% rise, but similar to August’s growth of 5%. The table wine category enjoyed a favorable pricing mix with a 5.9% gain to $5.35/bottle, up $0.03 over August. Low-end brands continue to benefit from trading up from jugs to bottles, while mid-tier brand pricing is flat and