The sparkling wine market - UK

Since 2020, the sparkling wine market in the United Kingdom has been influenced by several key factors. The UK relies heavily on imports for its sparkling wine consumption, with 97.1% of imports coming from the European Union and Prosecco being a significant import, accounting for approximately one-third of the country's sparkling wine imports. The domestic production of sparkling wine, mainly concentrated in Southern England, is still small, representing just 3.7% of national consumption. However, English vineyards have been expanding, with cultivated areas growing by 13% between 2017 and 2018. Brexit remains a significant concern for the industry, with potential consequences on trade regulations, customs duties, and currency fluctuations. The exit from the EU could end European subsidies for UK farmers and affect the cost and availability of imported wines. Market trends include a move towards more expensive wines over £6, and Prosecco's popularity as a third most preferred drink among UK wine consumers, despite a slowdown in consumption growth to 5% from 2017 to 2018. The off-trade market led by supermarkets is significant, with 24.1% controlled by 10 brands, while English vineyards are turning to wine tourism as a strategy for market visibility and growth..### Trends and Insights into the UK Sparkling Wine Market Dynamics The UK sparkling wine market has been undergoing significant transformation underpinned by various factors that include climatic changes, socio-economic shifts, and regulatory adjustments. Our analysis reveals that sparkling wines, excluding the distinctive Champagne category, have been carving out their own niche within the UK's alcoholic beverage landscape. Notably, Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine, has gained prominence and has become the best-selling sparkling wine in England, outpacing traditional favorites from the Champagne region and other crémants from France. Despite the burgeoning appeal of English sparkling wine enabled by favorable climatic conditions, the UK market continues to be heavily reliant on imports to meet its demand, with a mere 3.7% of consumption accounted for by domestic production. The dependence on European imports is stark, with 97.1% of the UK's sparkling wine imports originating from the EU, and Italy alone delivering a commanding 87.8% of exports to the UK, largely thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of Prosecco. In terms of market performance, alcohol sales in the UK reached somewhere between £35 and £45 billion in 2017, with wines and spirits contributing more than half of these sales. Sparkling wine registered substantial growth, with market value soaring past £1 billion, and Brits purchasing between 150 and 170 million bottles in 2018, emphasizing a 10% increment from the previous year and an astounding increase of over 65% since 2013. The holiday season notably marks the zenith of sparkling wine consumption, evidencing its role in festive traditions. The consumer base for alcoholic beverages in the UK appears to be evolving. A shift is witnessed from lower to higher-priced wines, indicating an upmarket move endorsed by consumers. Sparkling wine, in particular, enjoys a demographic tilt with more female consumers in the age group of 18 to 44 years leaning towards it. Moreover, reports suggest that almost 20% of UK adults abstain from alcohol, yet, against this backdrop of moderation, sparkling wine continues to enjoy an uptick, with a 7.8% volume growth in the on-trade category, in clear defiance of the overarching trend. Delving into market structure, the UK's sparkling wine production is termed highly concentrated, with a small proportion of vineyards, particularly those larger than 18 hectares, dominating crop cultivation as well as sparkling wine sales. While imports hold great sway, it's imperative to note that English vineyards are also expanding,.### Key Players Shaping the UK Sparkling Wine Market Landscape As we delve into the effervescent world of the UK's sparkling wine market, we encounter an eclectic mix of local and global companies that are instrumental in steering the consumer experience and market dynamics. These firms range from established wine conglomerates to idyllic English vineyards, each contributing their unique flavors to the burgeoning sector. **Prominent Wine Groups with Global Footprints** Concha y Toro and Accolade Wines are two titans in the industry, with their extensive portfolio of brands and international reach. These groups bring a diverse array of sparkling wines to the British table, ensuring that wine enthusiasts have access to both local and international varieties. Treasury Wine Estates and Pernod Ricard further augment this landscape with their strong global presence. Pernod Ricard, in particular, is known for its high-quality beverages that resonate well with a market that increasingly appreciates the finer things in life. **Champions of English Sparkling Wine** The local English wine estates such as Giffords Hall, Three Choirs, and Nyetimber, are at the heart of the UK's wine tourism and the burgeoning domestic production scene. These estates not only provide distinctive sparkling wines that cater to the local palate but also help to elevate the profile of English wines on the international stage. **Prestigious Foreign Wine Estates** Antica Fratta and Wolfberger are examples of foreign wine estates that enrich the UK market with their sparkling offerings. They represent the charm and sophistication of their respective regions, bringing a touch of international flair to the British consumer. Freixenet, a renowned name for Spanish Cava, has become a household name in the UK, preferred for its consistent quality and festive branding that aligns perfectly with Britain's celebratory occasions. **Supportive Auxiliary Entities** Essential to the growth and maintenance of the sparkling wine industry are companies like Agrovista and Lallemand, which provide vital auxiliary services. These firms offer expertise, from agricultural supplies to fermentation technologies, which are crucial for vineyards to thrive and produce the fine sparkling wines that end up in consumers' glasses. In essence, these actors share the stage in a collaborative and competitive manner, crafting a market that is as dynamic as it is diverse. Their collective efforts decorate the world of sparkling wine with myriad choices, innovative practices, and enriching experiences that appeal to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. As the UK market evolves, these key players will undoubtedly continue to shape its direction and contribute

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 02/02/2019

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