Last week Wine GB released its 2023 Industry Report, which includes the latest data from producers and figures supplied by Wine Standards.
Here are some key findings:
- Plantings continue to grow – there are currently just under 4,000ha under vine, with forecasts predicting an increase to 7,600ha by 2032;
- In terms of production, the mid-range prediction is that production will reach 25 to 29 million bottles by 2032;
- Wine remains one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors in Britain;
- In 2022, total production was 12.2 million bottles: 68% sparkling, and 32% still;
- Sales channels and distribution in 2022 include:
- On trade has increased– 22% (from 14%)
- Exports up from 4% to 7%
- Off-trade up to 41%
- DTC now 30% from 57% – this reflects post-pandemic sales returning to hospitality and retail.
Wine Tourism
Wine tourism is buoyant and shows a positive growth trajectory; income is up – now averages 24% of total revenue. Visitor numbers are up 17% from 2021.
Ned Awty, Interim WineGB CEO says: “We are used to seeing rapid growth of plantings and production and this year is no different, with plantings up 74% in five years and a production of 12.2mn bottles, almost a record! Thanks to an overwhelming response to our membership survey, we now have our most comprehensive data set ever for wine production in the UK. The data gives us new insights into the ever-increasing importance of wine tourism, the scale and diversity of employment in our sector and an in-depth view of sales channels from the largest to smallest producers.”
Chair of WineGB, Sam Linter, said: “These truly are exciting times for English and Welsh wine. Our latest report is from the most robust data yet and we are pleased to have this access. It not only sets out where we are today but looks ahead to the next ten years in terms of production and the many opportunities. We have become an internationally acclaimed wine growing region of the highest quality.”
The industry report is available Industry & Statistics Insights
Sources:
WineGB and Wine Standards