Value of Portuguese wine exports boosted

Exports of Portuguese still wine to the UK grew in value by 4% in 2015, which the president of ViniPortugal says indicates a positive change in quality perceptions of the country’s wines.

According to new figures unveiled by ViniPortugal at their annual Grand Tasting in London on 2 March, the price of Portuguese wines have increased from €2.75/litre to €2.86/litre in the past twelve months.

Since 2011, there has been a 19% increase in value of Portuguese DO wine imports into the UK, driven by a 17% increase in the average price being achieved, from €2.46/litre to €2.86/litre (2011 vs 2015).

This was set against a back drop of over still wine sales in the UK, which declined by -2% in value and volume. Globally, the value of Portuguese wine exports has increased by +1.5%, despite volumes decreasing by 1.1%.

“This steady growth in shows how much the perception of Portuguese wines is changing”, said Jorge Monteiro, President of ViniPortugal. “Portugal is uniquely placed to give UK customers an authentic alternative while providing great value for money. The growing momentum behind Portuguese wines, and UK customers’ desire to discover more interesting wines suits Portugal very well.”

Wines of Portugal plans to build on this success through a raft of marketing initiatives that will run throughout 2016. They include the Wines of Portugal Select Dinner Series – a series of informal networking and educational dinners for independent wine retailers – the return of the Wines of Portugal Discovery Bar at London Wine Week in May, and Wine Quest – a bespoke trip to Portugal organised for 15 leading sommeliers led by Charles Metcalfe, Sarah Ahmed and Ronan Sayburn MS.