UK wine market to grow

Above average growth is expected in volume consumption of wine in the UK over the next five years, according to forecasts by Vinexpo.

Data for UK wine and spirits consumption from 2013 and 2014, and forecasts to 2019, predict an increase in consumption of 1.8% over the next five years compared with projected average global growth of 1.4%.

The UK also consolidated its position as the world’s biggest importer of wine by value in 2015, with imports of both still and sparkling wine reaching £11.85 billion. This is twice the value of imports to the US, the world’s biggest volume consumer of wine.

In contrast, between 2013 and 2014 the UK was fifth largest among wine consuming countries.

By 2019, the volume of UK wine imports is expected to rise 0.5% to reach 138 million 9-litre cases, whereas the volume of wines imported into the US will fall by 1.2% over the same period.

While still wines represent 91% of all wines consumed in the UK, sparkling wines are fashionable and the segment continues to grow. Between 2010 and 2014, while consumption of still wine fell by 8.2%, the consumption of sparkling wines gained momentum, increasing +33.5% by volume, with Prosecco being the main driver.

The research reveals that the majority of Prosecco sold in the UK is unbranded, meaning brand consciousness is almost non existent. Consumers see Prosecco as a brand in its own right. Therefore, there is space for growth at the higher price points if investments are made by key players to build recognisable Prosecco brands that can build consumer loyalty, Vinexpo says.

Related content

Leave a reply

Food and Drink Technology