Slower growth expected for holiday wine gift sales

The VinterActive 2007 Consumer Wine Gift Preference Report summarizes response from over 1,000 US wine consumers and provides detailed analysis revealing the unique purchasing preferences of key customer segments.

"With fewer buyers planning to increase spending in 2007 and more remaining undecided, sales of wine gifts at US wineries are expected to grow during the 2007 holiday season at a slower pace than 2006," according to VinterActive Founder and CEO, Bryan St. Amant. "While slower growth and consumer indecision may heighten competition, wineries offering attractive gift packages at popular price points will still be well positioned to maximize their share of the growing market for holiday wine gifts."

Key findings of the new research report reveal:

• Top 5 wine gift preferences in 2007:
  • Two bottle gift sets

  • Highly rated wines
    
  • One bottle gift sets
    
  • Gift baskets with food and wine
    
  • Three bottle gift sets

• Most popular wine gift price range in 2007: Under $50
  
• Most lucrative wine gift price range in 2007: $50 to $75
  
• Buyers preferring to purchase via internet/online store: 84%
  
• Buyers considering wine gifts to friends or family in 2007: 77%
  
• Buyers considering wine gifts to business associates in 2007: 35%
  
• Fastest growing segments in 2007: highly rated wines, rare/library wines, and wine gifts priced $75 to $100.

Other areas examined by the study include consumer preference for customised wine gifts, purchase methods, and gift options such as personalised notes, gift wrapping and express delivery. Detailed analysis identifies the unique product and price preferences of separate consumer segments including business gift buyers, gift basket buyers, $100+ gift buyers, under $50 gift buyers, men vs. women, and younger vs. older wine consumers.

For more information on the VinterActive 2007 Wine Gift Preference Report, visit: http://www.vinteractive.com

Source: eMediaWire.com