Market insights – United Kingdom

The UK is the sixth largest wine market in the world. It is almost entirely dependent on imported wine, despite a flourishing niche sparkling wine sector, and is the world’s second largest wine importer.
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Overview: The UK: Australia’s largest wine market by volume

In 2016 the UK imported just under 1.4 billion litres of wine, valued at over $US 4 billion.

Australia is the second largest source of wine imports into the UK by volume and third largest by value, while the UK is Australia’s largest export market in volume terms, accounting for approximately 28 per cent of total exported wine volume in 2017.  Australia ships 80 per cent of wine to the UK in bulk for bottling in market, which reduces the average value of exports and means the UK is only Australia’s third largest market by value.

Australia is the number one country of origin in the UK off-trade market, with twice the market share of its nearest rivals, France and Italy. Of the top 14 brands in the UK off-trade by value in 2017, six were Australian (IRI).

There are some challenges in the UK market, including the financial and economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit, increasing excises on alcohol, retail consolidation and a slow decline in per capita wine consumption.  On the other hand, wine sales at the premium end of the market are growing and there is growth potential for Australia in this segment, as well as in the on-trade and independent channels, where we are under-represented. 

Recent research by Wine Intelligence has found that the popularity of alternative varieties is growing in the UK market. Some of the alternative varieties and blends showing growth in exports in 2017 include Malbec, Viognier/Roussanne, Viognier/Chardonnay, Durif, Verdelho, Tempranillo and Montepulciano.

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Reports listing

: Restricted to levy payers and wine exporters. Some reports are available for purchase - find out more

UK off-trade wine sales report

This report summarises the United Kingdom wine market by wine style, colour, brand, country of origin and price point.

Wine import market reports

Summarises wine imports for various markets by three categories - bulk wine, bottled wine and sparkling wine. The report assists Australian wine exporters understand trends in global wine trade.

Webinar - Consumer wine consumption behaviour during and post COVID-19 in Europe

Presentation by Wine Intelligence detailing how wine consumers in Australia, the USA and the UK have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic before and during lockdown, and how they anticipate their behaviour will change after the removal of restrictive measures.

Consumer wine consumption behaviour during and post COVID-19 in Australia, UK and the USA

Presentation by Wine Intelligence detailing how wine consumers in Australia, the USA and the UK have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic before and during lockdown, and how they anticipate their behaviour will change after the removal of restrictive measures.

Australian wine export market summaries

Australian wine export markets profiles including summary statistics on volume and value of total wine exports, and recent growth trends benchmarked against Australia's total wine exports.

UK Landscapes – Management Summary

This Wine Intelligence Management Summary provides an overview of the United Kingdom (UK) wine market highlighting consumption behaviour and attitudes towards wine among regular wine drinkers.

UK Wilson drinks report

The UK Wilson Drinks Report is a research-based report on the United Kingdom drinks market. A special edition has been prepared for Wine Australia winegrape and export levy payers.