German wine sales get a festive lift
The influence of German Christmas markets in the UK is having a beneficial impact on German wine sales, according to various supermarkets in London.
Waitrose told the Evening Standard newspaper last week that its German wine sales have risen by 36% this year, while Marks & Spencer’s have risen by 20%.
Andrew Bird, M&S’ beers, wines and spirits manager, said he had seen an “unprecedented rise” in the sale of German drinks.
The news is a welcome turnaround for Germany’s performance in the UK off-trade. Nielsen figures for the first half of this year (w/e 12.06.10) showed sales were down 16% in volume to 3.1 million cases and down 8% in value to £128m.
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Despite this, however, Germany did experience a 207% increase in wine sales in the £9.01-£10 price band during the same period.
For a more in-depth report on the current state of Germany in the UK off-trade, see the November 2010 issue of the drinks business.
Jane Parkinson, 20.12.2010
Interesting article. Rest assured, there will be a few German Rieslings within my line up for #RavenousForRiesling blind tasting event in January. Big fan of Rieslings and already have 60 wines committed. Watch this space on www.robertgiorgione.com and follow on twitter @robertgiorgione. Contact me for details.