UK drinks scene in 2020 was different but some wines and countries did very well

Over an additional £1 billion was spent on wine in retail stores in 2020, replacing the sales that normally would be in pubs and restaurants.

Nielsen data for January to the 26th December 2020 showed New Zealand and South Africa were two countries that benefited. Both have a lower presence in the restaurant and pub trade than in wine retailers and supermarkets. New Zealand saw sales climb 12% in 2020 at the same time the average price rose to £7.42, significantly higher that the UK average to £6.09.

South African wines rose by 28% value for wines bottled in South Africa sold in the UK. The numbers are more impressive as South African ministers banned export of wine for 5 weeks in 2020 as part of their Covid-19 controls.