WSTA: Sales of fizz hit new peak in 2018

UK sales of sparkling wine and Champagne reached a record high this year with Brits buying almost £2.2 billion worth of fizz, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s latest market report.

Almost 165 million bottles of sparkling wine and Champagne were sold in the UK in the last recorded 12 months, worth £2.2 billion.

Of that, a record £1.5 billion, the equivalent of 146 million bottles, was from sales of sparkling wine alone, with Crémant in particular increasing its presence.

UK supermarket Marks & Spencer reported a 300% increase on last year, while Waitrose also expects the category’s growth to continue.

“Crémant continues to really gain in popularity as customers discover it’s great value and quality, and sales are actually up an impressive 300% on the year,” a spokesperson at Marks & Spencer said. “Prosecco isn’t going anywhere and overall our Prosecco sales are up 47%, as customers have enjoyed some great deals on our Prosecco this festive season.”

Becky Hull MW and wine buyer at Waitrose added: “We’ve seen continued growth [of Crémant] over many years and definitely expect that trend to continue. Crémant offers brilliant value for money so it’s enjoying well deserved success.”

The UK’s sales of sparkling wine have enjoyed rapid growth in the last decade, however more recently the category’s growth is slowing. Despite this 2018 still saw more sparkling wine sold in the UK than any previous year.

Combined sales of sparkling wine and Champagne have almost doubled in volume and value in the last five years. In 2013 Brits spent around £1.2 billion on fizz compared to the £2.2 billion bought in the same 12 month period this year.

While Prosecco still accounts for the majority of sparkling wine sold in the UK, its growth has slowed markedly, says the WSTA, as drinkers explore other fizz offerings.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said: “Fizz is traditionally enjoyed over the Christmas holiday period and 2018 looks to be another sparkling success for wine makers. UK consumers now have a far greater range to choose from than ever before, including world class English sparkling wines, Cava’s, Prosecco and Crémants. But to allow consumers to continue to enjoy a wide range of quality sparkling wines, the government cannot allow a ‘No Deal’ Brexit which will stifle trade and limit choice. The greatest gift for sparkling wine lovers this Christmas is a deal which allows for frictionless trade without tariffs.”

For our pick of the best sparkling wines of 2018 click here.