Throughout all UK wine classes, gross sales volumes had been up 3% from 2023, based on new knowledge from the wine group on the Meals Requirements Company.
‘A 3% development in gross sales is a notable achievement given the present financial local weather, current regulatory modifications, and the truth that our producers proceed to face appreciable financial boundaries not seen in mature markets,’ stated Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB.
Volumes of nonetheless wine bought totalled 2.9 million bottles – a ten% enhance on the earlier 12 months – outpacing glowing albeit from a small base.
Gross sales of glowing counterparts final 12 months matched the 2023 determine of 6.2 million bottles, an encouraging efficiency provided that Champagne gross sales had been down for a similar interval.
The quantity of wine bought on the export market additionally grew by 35% 12 months on 12 months, now accounting for 9% of complete gross sales.
Following the file classic of 2023, which equated to 21.6 million bottles, final 12 months noticed simply shy of 10.7 million bottles produced. This was largely all the way down to crop losses from persistent moist climate resulting in related winery illnesses.
The general yield was nonetheless the fourth highest of the final decade, nevertheless, because of the expansion in winery plantings lately.
The UK is now dwelling to 99 totally different grape varieties, which embody Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Albariño, Merlot and Riesling, whereas the six most-planted grapes stay unchanged from final 12 months. Champagne varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier paved the way, adopted by Bacchus, Seyval Blanc and Solaris.
An additional 25 wineries had been established final 12 months, and 74 vineyards, bringing the totals to 238 and 1,104 respectively. The whole land below vine now includes 4,841ha, a rise of 510% since 2005.
The vast majority of winery plantings are in Kent, adopted in second place by West Sussex, however current additions in Essex have elevated the county to 3rd by way of land below vine, forward of East Sussex and Hampshire.
Sustaining development does in fact come hand in hand with hiring the expertise essential to hold the trade ahead. This 12 months’s WineGB Trade Survey urged that the subsequent three years will see a rise of 21% in full-time roles.
‘Our trade exhibits resilience and stays in a development part with planting and employment persevering with to indicate an upward pattern,’ Bates stated.
