Happy New Year to all our visitors and thank you for taking a look at our site in 2025. We have made some subtle changes including a newsletter service, regular titbit postings on the blog and a developing Trade Register which offers free listings. Real time wine offers over all sections, just implemented, which eliminates out of stock items with a focus on generous discounts as much as possible, which will be extended to all spirit sections in 2026. We will also introduce a Craft Beer section and a section covering Liqueur's and Bitters sometime in the new year.
These are certainly challenging times for the wine trade with demand shrinking for the first time in three decades and an expectation that it could carry on until 2030. A shift to Millennials being the main consumer group with younger drinkers consuming less, or not at all. Tough times for producers, adverse weather, rising costs and falling demand. Bonkers tariffs, helping nobody with higher prices for consumers. Many off licence and wholesalers reporting stagnant sales, wine club sign ups and eCommerce sales shrinking. A UK hospitality industry being pulverised by higher wages, business rates increases and vat, with help being promised and not being delivered.
So where's the good news? Well, white wine sales are on the rise - Sauvignon Blanc (+8.5%), Pinot Grigio (+8%) and Prosecco are seeing strong sales. Due to over supply there are some of the best deals for 30 years out there. Many people may be drinking less but drinking better and drinking lighter. Top wineries are still thriving – Many top premium wineries saw 22% revenue growth in 2024, proving success is still possible with the right strategies. As well as general drinking wines, Supermarkets now offer a wide range of niche wines and if they are your tipple, a sector of the retail trade which is showing an increase in trade is the specialist wine merchant who will offer advice and guidance plus tasting opportunities.
Enjoy wines and spirits in 2026. As always please drink responsibly.
