The latest annual statistics of German wine imports (Oct 2003-Sept 2004) show an increase of 9.6% in volume, translating to 13.5 million hectolitres. However in value, sales only rose by 0.7%, reflecting a decrease in the average price of imported wine from 148 €/hl to 136 €/hl. Out of Germany's three chief suppliers, Spain gained large slice of the pie in volume (+43%), but only a small percentage in value (+6.3%). Italy maintained its position in value (+0.1%) and grew in volume (+3.3%). France on the other hand, lost ground in value (-4.5%), and even more so in volume (-6.4%).