Sparkling wine sales up 58% in UK on-trade

Sales of sparkling wine continue to soar, with Liberty’s latest premium on-trade report revealing value sales are up by 58.3% at top UK restaurants and bars.

Sparkling continued to outperform the whole wine category in 2015, with volume sales up by 32.9% in the premium on-trade.

Champagne enjoyed the lion’s share of sales in sector, selling more than double the volume of Prosecco at four times the value. Popular white varieties also continue to thrive – last year Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio accounted for over a third of sales in the premium on-trade.

Meanwhile, Pinot Noir has moved from ‘one to watch’ to being a key player in the sector with 13% of the red wine market by both volume and value.

Pinot Noir is now a key player in the premium on-trade

London also stole the headlines, accounting for over 50% of premium on-trade volume sales of 58% of value sales.

However, just four countries have increased wine sales every year since 2013 by volume and value in the premium on-trade: France, Spain, Chile and New Zealand.

“The premium on-trade wine market is flourishing due to more consumers choosing premium venues when dining out, coupled with people spending more on wine when they do.

“However, we can’t ignore that we are looking at a period of economic uncertainty ahead. We’re faced with a significantly weakened pound, which will have an impact on wine prices,” said Liberty’s managing director David Gleave MW.

“We can see a polarisation of the style and varieties of wine consumed and the wine category is facing increased competition from craft beers and artisan spirits.

“We need to work harder to engage consumers, adapt offerings to include different serve sizes and encourage experimentation by guiding consumers to ‘drink outside the box’ in the premium on-trade.

“It is crucial for us to embrace changes, including the rise in casual dining as well as the changing palates and demands of younger consumers,” he added.

The 2016 Liberty Wines premium on-trade report was compiled with the help of on-trade specialist, CGA Strategy.