Wine sales down after years of growth

Wine consumption in the UK fell 2% in 2008, according to a report from industry analysts, Mintel. Concern over binge drinking and health issues, plus an average of 28p more tax, have all contributed to the decline.

 The Mintel report suggests wine companies will have to expand the market among 25 to 34-year-olds to ensure future growth.

A report released in January by industry body Vinexpo revealed the UK was the world's biggest importer of wine, with 1.6bn bottles being brought into the country during 2007 but that sales dropped 3.5% in the first nine months of last year and predicted market growth would halve to 6% by 2012.  The Mintel report said consumption had fallen by 30m litres to 1.16bn litres in 2008 - the equivalent of 40 million bottles.

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