Value (in billions of U.S. dollars) of the United States’ annual seafood exports. That makes America the sixth-largest supplier of seafood on the world market. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the majority of exports are—alas—frozen fish fillets. (I guess we keep the lobster for ourselves).
Rank China now holds as the most important export market for Chilean wine. Five years ago, the U.S. was the leading export market for Chilean wine, and China was number 40, according to the Wall Street Journal. In particular, the Chinese appear to have a growing appreciation for cabernet priced at the equivalent of $15 to $20.
Value (in millions of U.S. dollars) of pies sold during Christmas week. However, as far as sales go, the Thanksgiving holiday, with $90 million worth of pies sold, takes the cake (are we allowed to mix dessert metaphors here?). According to the American Pie Council, the most traditional flavors—apple, cherry, pumpkin, and pecan—make up 62 percent of pie sales all year long.
Value (in billions of U.S. dollars) of wine sales in the U.S., from last fall until this one. That’s a 5% increase from the previous year, according to BW166, a wine market research firm. As wine sales have increased, so have the number of winery employees. To help sell and ship all that vino, direct-to-consumer winery staff grew by a reported 56%.
Approximate altitude (in feet) of the world’s highest vineyard, according to Guinness World Records (it’s actually 11,691 feet, or 3563.3 meters). Known as “Pure Land & Super-High Altitude Vineyard,” the vineyard is in Qushui County, Lhasa, Tibet. It’s planted with vidal, muscat, and indigenous Bei Bing Hong grapes.
Number of varieties of apples that existed in the American Northeast two centuries ago, according to the New York Times. By the 1950s, that number had dwindled to fewer than 100. Today, a revival of apples is taking place within a few hundred miles of New York City. All are intended for one of the newest exciting beverages—intensely flavored, dry “hard” ciders (usually about 7% to 9% alcohol).
Number of breweries expected to be operating in the U.S. by the end of year 2018. While the late 20th to early 21st centuries saw a steady uptick in openings, the real boom has come in the last five years with the craft beer market exploding. In 2017, craft beer grew 8% in sales growth and had a net worth of $26 billion.
Number of years ago next week that Prohibition officially ended (December 5, 1933). The 14-year ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol virtually destroyed the U.S. wine industry and profoundly changed America’s drinking habits. Most wineries went bankrupt, while the production of bootlegged spirits soared, ushering in the first era of cocktails.
Average percentage increase in the cost of a bottle of U.S. wine purchased in China today thanks to Chinese tariffs imposed in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, according to Wine America. After gaining a foothold in the enormous Chinese market in the 2010s, American wine is now effectively priced out of it.
Number of millions of bottles of wine that were sold last year from Thanksgiving week through Christmas week, according to DFWS internal data & Nielsen. We’ll see what this season brings, but typically wine sales during Thanksgiving week are 40% higher than an average week. (We assume you did your part yesterday. Bravo).