UK wine exports set to break new records
With production last year reaching a record-breaking 15.6m bottles, overseas buyers are recognising the strength of the sector and starting to see the UK as an emerging premium wine region, with the potential to be among the finest in the world.
Overall sales of English wine increased by 31% between 2015 and 2017 and by 2040, the industry is predicted to be producing 40m bottles a year, equating to a retail value of £1bn. The industry has also identified that exports of English wine could reach £350m within the same time frame.
'Exciting times'
Key markets identified by the industry include the US and Scandinavia, which received 65% of total exports, and emerging markets such as Japan.
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox shared his enthusiasm for the industry: "It is such an exciting time for English wine right now.
"The potential for exports is going from strength to strength due to the rapid growth of the sector and an increased demand from overseas markets for high quality British wine."
World beater
Speaking as vineyards across the country celebrated English wine and its export successes at last week's English Wine Week (25 May-2 June), Fox encouraged other UK wine producers to "take inspiration" and consider exploring new markets overseas.
"The Department for International Trade is helping British businesses succeed abroad in ways that never happened before," he said.
"Many vineyards have already benefited from the services we offer, and we aim to support many more to cement the UK as the new premium wine destination of the world."
Wine GB chairman Simon Robinson said: "The acknowledgement of quality [of English wine] has driven a rapid growth in export volumes, particularly to the US, Scandinavia and Japan, and we look forward to that continuing, in no small part due to the very active support of DIT, the Food is Great campaign run by Defra, and other government departments."
