UK winemakers toast record year
The English wine market has seen exceptional growth, with a record number of bottles of UK wine reaching the market last year, up 64% from 2016.
"English wine releases reached a record high in 2017 with more varietals and vintages available, giving consumers a greater choice than ever before," said Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).
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The trend is set to continue, with wine production predicted to reach 10mn bottles by 2020, according to Alliance Wine, a UK wine importer, distributor and producer.
Paul Connelly, Managing Director of purchasing company Beacon, agreed, noting: “Provenance has become a major trend not only in the hospitality industry but among the general public.
“There is a cultural shift to understand where our food and drink has come from, as well as a desire for organic and local produce. We saw evidence of this when Made in Britain was voted the top dining trend for 2018, and it seems English wine is leading the way.”
“We recommend that operators adapt their offering to incorporate and satisfy the growing demand for English wine and ensure that they are well stocked as we head into the summer months,” he added.
“Consumers care more than ever before about the quality of their drink and it is vital to stock a range that caters for this, with provenance at the forefront, to capitalise in the warmer months.”
Today, marks the final day of English Wine Week (Saturday 26th May - May 3rd June 2018), a national campaign designed to raise awareness of English wine.