Cool-climate wines drive growth for Matthew Clark

UK drinks distributor Matthew Clark has seen an uplift in sales of premium wines from cool-climate regions – a sign that consumers are increasingly seeking out lighter, fresher styles.

Wines from cooler-climate regions, such as Elgin in South Africa, are helping to fuel premium wine sales growth at Matthew Clark 

Wines from regions and countries known for their cooler climates, including Austria, New Zealand, and Germany’s Mosel, have all generated double or triple-digit volume sales growth for the distributor in the year to 30 June 2016 (MAT).

Wines from these regions have also helped fuel the growth of Matthew Clark’s premium Wines of Distinction range, sales of which are up 5.5% over the same period.

The distributor has attributed the move towards cool-climate wines to consumer drinking preferences shifting away from heavier styles and embracing elegant wines with refreshing acidity and lower alcohol.

This also aligns with a trend towards quality and more food-friendly wines, the company said. Matthew Clark has seen a spike in demand for grape varieties traditionally grown in cooler regions, with volume sales of Sauvignon Blanc up 12% and Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir up 27% and 22%, respectively.

More news…

Top 10 cool-climate wine regions
Matthew Clark boosts premium range by a third

The company has responded to the growing consumer demand for lighter styles by introducing such wines as Shannon from the cooler-climate region of Elgin in South Africa.

A particular area of excitement for Matthew Clark is Austria, where volume sales are up 103% and sales of the country’s flagship variety, Grüner Veltliner, are up 14%, fuelled by high-end producers Soellner and Willi Opitz.

Matthew Clark is witnessing a similar thirst for premium German wine, with renowned producers such as Dr Loosen helping contribute towards a 61% surge in sales of Riesling from this region.

In the New World, Matthew Clark has seen its sales across New Zealand grow by 13%, with cooler climate areas performing particularly well – Central Otago Pinot Noir saw growth of 196% over the last 12 months. Australia’s cooler regions are also in growth, with Tasmania seeing an uplift of 80%.

“Our customers are increasingly demanding cool-climate wines following a growth in consumer interest in these lighter styles,” Simon Jerrome, Matthew Clark wine purchasing director, said.

“Consumers are now more wine savvy than ever and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in cultivating grapes in often challenging climates; realising also that these wines are often synonymous with high quality.”

Since its acquisition by Conviviality PLC in October 2015, Matthew Clark has seen a 4.8% increase in revenue, delivering more annual revenue than the aggregate of its seven largest independent drinks wholesaling competitors, according to Conviviality figures.

In the last year Matthew Clark has delivered more than 51 million bottles of wine, with still wine sales up 7.2% despite an overall market decline over the same period – with CGA data recording a 4% slump over the same period.