Fizz sector set for sparkling growth

Champagne and sparkling wine could almost double their market share in the UK and the US, with quadruple growth in India and China, according to market research firm TNS.

Having surveyed 39,000 people in 17 markets, the firm picked out India and China for the strongest growth. Of all the markets surveyed, Spain was the only one where sparkling wine consumption is set to decline.

The report showed that the combination of an increased spend among those already drinking sparkling wine with the many new drinkers in the developing world is presenting opportunities for sparkling wine producers.

Jan Hofmeyr, chief researcher into behaviour change at TNS, picked out a number of issues holding back more rapid growth in this category, saying: “While we can see a huge worldwide appetite to drink more sparkling wine and Champagne, most people are still held back by cost. These drinks are perceived as indulgencies, enjoyed mainly on special occasions.”

However, he added: “The good news for winemakers is that people consider sparkling wines both taste better and offer greater enjoyment than other alcoholic drinks.”

As a result, Hofmeyr continued, “If affordable sparkling wines can be made more accessible, particularly in developing markets, and be positioned as a drink for celebrating life rather than only special occasions, the sector has a sparkling future.”

TNS stated that consumers do not plan to increase their alcohol consumption overall, but rather that they want to drink sparkling wines more regularly.