Latest export figures from Latin America suggest the continent may be benefitting from the global economic gloom.

In Brazil sparkling wine exports were up 18% in value for the first three months, with much of the wine going to America and Germany, Wines from Brazil said

In Argentina bottled, tetra and bag in box exports grew 15% in value, and 3% in volume in the first quarter, said MRT.

The growth follows a good 2008, and compensates somewhat for the recent slide in must and bulk exports.

In Chile, after a slow start, export volumes increased 21% in March, and 15.5% in April. Values are down about 11% however, as drinkers squeeze budgets, and exchange rates pushed some prices higher.

At the higher end there was also positive news. In Peru, Tacama – which produces wines in the $10 to $40 bracket retail – said export values were up 10% in the first quarter. This year its wines also made the list at Alain Ducasse’s Paris restaurant, Spoon.

‘Gradually people are making the switch,’ said Max Morales, a Chilean marketing consultant who organises high-end tastings.

Morales said for the first time he was getting concrete ‘where can I buy’ emails from America and other countries, as people seek quality at about 30% less than their normal US$70 – US$100.

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Written by Sophie Kevany in Lima

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Decanter Staff
Decanter Staff
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Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team