The popularity of Argentinian wines continues to forge ahead, with UK exports for 2011 up 8.4% by value, according to the latest figures from Wines of Argentina.
UK director Andrew Maidment told Harpers: “We’re now in the right position in the UK market, with value rising and producers not compromising on price, meaning less volume is going into supermarkets, and more wine into the indies and on-trade.
Volume may be down, but value is on the increase with 11% growth in the off-trade and 5.7% in the on-trade, according to Nielsen and CGA brand index data (MAT December 24, 2011).
Nielsen analyst Stewart Blunt said the “mighty Malbec” is still driving off-trade sales, which saw a 33% jump last year and accounts for 38%-40% of the market share.
He added that Pinot Grigio, which doubled its market share from 5% to 10% in 2011, is also “one to watch”.
For the full story read this week’s issue of Harpers. You can subscribe here
Story by Carol Emmas
Courtesy of Harpers Wine & Spirit Trades Review