UK sales of sparkling wine ‘rose by 80%’ since 2011, data shows

From:FoodBev

The amount of sparkling wine on sale in the UK has risen by 80% in the last five years from 17.6 million gallons in 2011-12 to an estimated 31.6 million gallons in 2015-16, according to accountancy group UHY Hacker Young.

It said that the increase in the amount on sale is largely due to an increased consumer demand for products such as prosecco and cava, as well as more local English sparkling wines. UHY Hacker Young pointed out that, although the majority of sparkling wine on sale in the UK is imported from established wine-producing countries such as France, Italy and Spain, a growing proportion is now from English wine producers.

Growing international and national recognition of English sparkling wine has led to a shift in consumer attitudes towards locally produced wines, with more choosing to support British businesses. This is borne out by data that shows 37 new wine producers and vineyards opened in England in the last year alone, UHY Hacker Young said.

James Simmonds, partner at UHY Hacker Young, said: “The growth in the sparkling wine market is a great boost for those businesses producing English sparkling wine.

“Not only is the growing success of English sparkling wine encouraging more to come to the market, but more established names are now looking to expand into new stages of growth.

“Vineyards provide businesses with numerous opportunities to diversify and offer additional services such as shops, cafes, wine-tastings, events and weddings as well as producing wine. These add-ons can be effective ways for new producers to supplement their income whilst waiting for their wine to mature.”

Simmonds added that uncertainty persisted around imports of prosecco and champagne following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, but that English sparkling wine could step in to fill the gap in supply if imports fell.

“It’s uncertain what will happen after Brexit to UK imports of prosecco and champagne,” he said, “but what is clear is that no matter what happens English sparkling wine is already a viable alternative.”

 

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