UPS expands market for booze shipments

UPS Inc. said today that is expanding its global market for alcohol, wine, and beer shipments to 39 countries, from 3, as it seeks to tap into a growing worldwide demand for booze.

UPS said it will support wineries looking to 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 three days, UPS said All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery. According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, 43 percent of all wine is consumed in a country other than where it is produced. The U.S. imported $5.8 billion dollars worth of wine in 2016, according to ITC.

Europe is the market leader in wine production and consumption. UPS said it will ship to 23 countries in Europe. Under the expanded service, UPS will now serve 11 Asia-Pacific countries, including China, which is projected by 2020 to surpass the U.S. as the world's third-largest wine importer.

With the expansion, UPS said it will deliver beer, wine, and spirits to five of the Canadian provinces that account for 95 percent of all imports.