7.972.291 bottles were sold in international markets throughout 2008, which accounts for 20.16% more than the previous year.

Out of the total number of bottles sold in 2008, 41,134,682 bottles of three-fourths of a litre, almost 20%, according to data provided by wineries to the Control Board, were sold in international markets. This confirms that the increasing trend followed by the Rueda Appellation of Origin until 2007, during which 6,630,369 bottles were exported, is back.

The main countries receiving wines from Rueda Appellation of Origin, which are ranked in order of importance, are the following: Germany, the USA, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Furthermore, the number of wineries exporting to these countries has increased, with an average of 6 wineries by country. These five countries alone account for 72% of sales abroad.

We should highlight the substantial increase of exports to Central European countries. For instance, sales in Germany switched from 1,333,524 in 2007 to 2,148,844 in 2008; in Denmark the total bottles sold in 2007 was 77,105 and 144,930 in 2008, and sales in Switzerland switched from 560.783 bottles in 2007 to 623.567 in 2008. These countries are not only producers of whites, but also good consumers of this type of wine, and enjoy the special features of each country’s indigenous varieties.

Over the last years, the Control Board has been developing a number of promotional campaigns focused on the German Market, where, besides attending the Prowein Fair (Düsseldorf), advertising campaigns and illustrated reports (including wine tastings) are published in wine magazines: WEINWELT, WEINWIRTSCHAFT and SOMMELIER. The reaction of the German Market towards wines from Rueda A.O. has been so excellent that a 61% growth was recorded during 2008, becoming this way the main international Market for our Rueda wines, for the second year in a row.






In 2009 the Control Board of Rueda A.O. will be present at:

Germany - Düsseldorf: in the Prowein Fair, 29-31 March- Stand "Rueda D.O: Wines" 6B64- Hall 6

France – Bordeaux: Vinexpo (21-25 June) Location is not confirmed yet.

Additionally, the Rueda A.O. is planning to be, with its own stand, at FENAVIN, in Ciudad Real (Spain), held from 5-7 May (Pavilion ENEO, Hall C5). A large number of importers is expected to visit this Fair, which is a great chance to taste wines from Rueda A.O.

(Graphs attached)