Number of years German brewers went without sales increases, ending last year with a 0.2 percent increase, according to an Associated Press report. Brewers fared better abroad — exports of German beers were up 13.1 percent, while sales within Germany were down 1.5 percent. Germany has the third-highest per capita consumption of beer.

Billions of dollars in organic foods and beverages sold last year — 18 percent more than in 2003, according to the Natural Marketing Institute, Harleysville, Pa. However, household penetration for organics was down. Only 30 percent of U.S. consumers report buying organic products vs. 40 percent in 2003.

Percent increase in U.S. wine exports in 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S vintners exported $794 million worth of wine, 95 percent of which came from California. Most of the wine was shipped to Europe.

Percent fewer cases of liver cancer among daily coffee drinkers vs. those who never drink coffee, as determined by a study of more than 90,000 Japanese and reported by CNN. Reasons for the difference in cancer rates were not determined, but occurrences were lower among those who drink one to two cups per day and even lower at three to four cups per day.

Billions of dollars contributed to the U.S. economy each year by beer-related businesses, including brewers, wholesalers, retailers and brewery suppliers, according to a joint study by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. The industry supplies 18 million jobs and more than $30 billion in federal, state and local taxes.

Millions of dollars expected from Chilean wine exports this year, according to Chilevid, a Chilean wine association. As a group, Chilean wineries will invest $3.2 million in a 20-country promotional campaign.

Barrels of craft beer sold in 2004, according to the Beer Institute, Boulder, Colo. That represents a 7 percent increase over 2003, and compares to a 0.5 percent increase among mass-market beers, and 1.4 percent for imports.