UK wine sales grow

The latest sales data shows wine sales growing in overall value in pubs, clubs (+3.5%) and restaurants as well as in shops (+2.7%), despite a fall in volumes.

Wine emerges as the best performer in the on-trade sector in the 12 months to October 2nd with sales of rosé particularly strong (+4.2% value) and sales of white wine not far behind (+3.9% value).

The sales data also shows:

• Average price of a bottle of wine up to £4.47
• Strongest performers in off-trade are Champagne (+9.4% value) and sparkling wine (+7.8% value).

There was also a strong value growth in off-trade sales of wine in the following price categories:
o £4.01 to £5.00 - +24.4%
o £6.01 to £7.00 - +28.3%
o £9.01 to £10.00 - +23.7%

Argentinian wines were the stand out performer in the on-trade sector with an increase of +50.9%.

Wine was also the gift of choice at Christmas, 48% of British adults polled say they will probably or definitely buy wine as a gift, and 43% say they would buy spirits.

It will be interesting to see what the increase in VAT will do to sales next month.