UPS expands alcohol shipping to consumers around the world
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UPS is expanding its ability to ship alcohol, wine and beer to consumers around the world. Using one of the UPS Express shipping services, wine connoisseurs can have their favourite cases of wine shipped directly from the vineyards to their home.
UPS is helping wineries reach consumers living in 24 of the top 35 wine importing countries, and distilleries in 9 of the top 25 spirit importing countries. Depending on the destination, orders can arrive at the business or consumer’s home within 3 days. All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery.
According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, 43% of all wine is consumed in a country other than where it is produced. The global wine market is expected to reach US$380 billion by 2022.[1] The countries producing and exporting the most wine include Italy, Spain, France, Chile, Australia, South Africa and the United States.[2]
Europe is the market leader in wine production and consumption. UPS will ship to 23 countries in Europe including these primary markets: Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Wine consumption is growing rapidly in Asian markets. By 2020, China is expected to surpass the U.S. as the world’s third-largest largest wine importer.[3] The fast growing middle class is driving the demand for premium alcohol. Last year, China imported US$890 million worth of spirits globally.[4]
UPS will now ship wine, beer and liquor to consumers and businesses in 11 countries throughout Asia Pacific including: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. In Malaysia, only businesses can import wine and beer.
Mexico is earning its place at the table of major wine countries, as consumption has increased by more than 40% in the last 10 years.[5] UPS is shipping wine to Mexico, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Mexicans are also thirsty for America’s beer, importing $187 million worth in 2016.6
“It was hard telling our international visitors they couldn’t have our wine because we couldn’t get it to them,”
Canada and the U.S. are key trade partners and as more Canadians buy products online they’re also adding alcohol to their shopping carts. With the expansion, UPS can deliver to 5 of the Canadian Provinces covering 95% of all alcohol imports.[7] The Provinces include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
Boeger, a small family-owned winery in Northern California, recently started global shipping. “It was hard telling our international visitors they couldn’t have our wine because we couldn’t get it to them,” said Tara De La Rosa, hospitality and logistics manager. “We are always looking for ways to expand globally and have our wines on tables around the world.”
De La Rosa and her team use Paperless Invoice to simplify customs clearance. The UPS shipping system helps wineries, breweries and distilleries avoid delays by uploading all of the required alcohol-related documentation for each country electronically.
UPS provides automatic tracking and visibility allowing the consumer to follow an order on its global journey. Boeger winery visitors will receive an email notification, in their own language, the day before the scheduled delivery.
The UPS Express shipping portfolio features three unique service levels: UPS Worldwide Express Plus for early morning delivery, UPS Express for midday deliveries and UPS Express Saver for end-of-day deliveries.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific countries in Europe are now included in UPS's expanded alcohol shipping service for consumers?
Which specific countries in Europe are now included in UPS's expanded alcohol shipping service for consumers?
UPS will ship to 23 European countries. Primary markets mentioned include Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, allowing consumers in these nations to receive direct alcohol shipments.
Q.Can consumers in all Asian Pacific countries listed directly import alcohol through UPS, or are there any restrictions?
Can consumers in all Asian Pacific countries listed directly import alcohol through UPS, or are there any restrictions?
Consumers in most listed Asian Pacific countries can receive alcohol shipments. However, in Malaysia, only businesses are permitted to import wine and beer, indicating a restriction for direct consumer imports there.
Q.How quickly can customers expect their alcohol orders to arrive after being shipped using UPS Express services?
How quickly can customers expect their alcohol orders to arrive after being shipped using UPS Express services?
Customers using UPS Express shipping services can expect their orders to arrive relatively quickly. Depending on the specific destination, shipments are anticipated to reach the business or consumer’s home within three days.
Q.What is the process for ensuring alcohol shipments are received by an adult, and how does UPS handle customs clearance?
What is the process for ensuring alcohol shipments are received by an adult, and how does UPS handle customs clearance?
All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery to ensure responsible receipt. For customs, UPS's system allows wineries to upload all necessary alcohol-related documentation electronically, simplifying clearance and avoiding delays.