UK consumers are drinking more sparkling wine than ever, with sales growing by 12% last year, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).
The group notes that since 2012, sales of sparkling wine and champagne have increased by 72%, and the UK is now the sixth largest sparkling wine market in the world, and the largest market for Champagne outside of France.
Overall, wine is the most commonly-drunk alcoholic beverage in the UK, with 60% of adults drinking it regularly.
Brexit Challenges
Despite this growth, however, the WSTA is warning that Britain's wine trade is facing 'major challenges' as a result of the Brexit decision. The recent devaluation of the pound has led to rising import costs, resulting in higher prices and growing inflation.
“Over two thirds of UK trade in wine is with the EU, and the question of how to keep the UK at the heart of the world wine trade post-Brexit is key if we want to see continued growth in years to come," said Miles Beale, CEO of the WSTA.
"Brexit negotiations must avoid disruption to existing trade, a view that is strongly supported by our colleagues in the EU wine and spirit trade."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
