Image credit: CRC.
REGULATOR BOARD PRESS RELEASE.-
Pedro Bonet, chairman of the Cava Regulatory Board, has stressed the excellent recovery of the domestic market for cavas, with an increase in sales of 6 million bottles. In addition, he pointed out the sector’s commitment for premium cavas both for the domestic and the international markets.
Cava sales grew within the domestic market for the first time after two years of drops, achieving sales of 87.6 million bottles (+7.54%). A key for the domestic market were sales at bars and restaurants, which grew 9.3% over 2013.
Exports to foreign markets outside the European Union (115 countries already) kept the positive trend experienced in recent years at 43.1 million bottles. This represents 27.8% of exportations and 2.36% more over 2013. Since the beginning of the 21st century, sales to countries outside the EU have grown 8.8% on yearly basis.
Exportations within the European Union continued to lead the sales of cava with 111.6 million bottles or 72% of international sales. Sales within the EU experienced a 5.3% drop over 2013 due in large part to a decline in the German market. Notwithstanding, the German market kept its position as the primary destination for cava sales, with 30.5 million bottles. In second position was Belgium with 30.4 million bottles (+11.68%). United Kingdom ranked third with sales of 28.8 million bottles.
It should be emphasized the huge growth of sales within France (+16.9%) that reached 6.3 million bottles and positions itself as a top destination for cava exports.
The top 10 countries by cava sales adds up 133.2 million bottles and represents 86% of total exportations, while the group of emerging countries, also known as BRIC, grew substantially (+40%) and reached sales of 2.6 million bottles.
Total number of exporting producers kept growing in 2014, with 151 exporters. This fact clearly shows the international commitment of cava producers. In 2014 cava continued to be a world leader in quality sparkling wine exportations, with an overall volume of 154.7 million bottles.
Premium cava (Reserva and Gran Reserva) was responsible for sales of 27.3 million bottles. Of these, 7.9 million bottles were sold in foreign markets (11.3% of all cava exportations).
Regarding rosé cava, its sales fell 7.43% in 2014. Nevertheless, premium rosé cavas showed an increase in sales of 8.63% for Reserva and 6.10% for Gran Reserva wines.
