This book is the first to deal with international wine trade. It looks for simple clues to the patterns of world trade flows since 1970 by stripping the subject to the bare economic factors underpinning it. Examination of medium term trends enables readers to get a better perspective on the critical issue of trade liberalisation.

Insight is given into twelve major importing countries representing more than 85% of world trade. With a view to facilitating comparison between countries, the book offers a systematic coverage of their consumption patterns (for wine and other alcoholic drinks), wine import trends, trade policies and configuration of their import/distribution channels. The level of competitiveness of each market is gauged and the positioning of the main strategic groups of exporters is also examined.

A must for wine exporters large and small, it should also prove a key reference for policy makers and finance people alike.