Decanter World Wine AwardsSpanish wine sales surge in UK
- Monday 8 August 2011
British retailer Marks & Spencer has reported a 200% increase in Spanish wine sales year on year compared to 2010. The category has far outpaced the 10% increase recorded across the rest of its range, and has been partly assisted by a range review and promotions.
Graham Hale, CEO of Interbrand London, explained, ‘Spanish wine has evolved from Sangria. It’s not as stuffy, the packaging is a bit more flamboyant, and the multiples are discounting in the area, encouraging trial.’
The popularity of the Spanish section is also rising in Waitrose where Spanish reds are up 40% while overall wine sales have increased just 11%. Similarly, Tesco, the UK’s biggest wine retailer by volume has also recorded a 20% increase in Spanish, double the growth of the wine section.
Nick Room, wine buyer, Waitrose said Spain offered cash-strapped customers value for money, adding, ‘When household budgets are generally a bit tighter these days, people are still wanting to enjoy their evenings and they are picking good value, consistent wines that they know they can trust,’ he said.
However, analysis from research company Nielsen shows the growth of Spanish wines in the UK off-trade is less impressive than the individual retailers suggest. Spanish wine sales in the year to June 11 2011, were up just 3% in volume to 7.5 million cases.
Have your say!
Roland Young
November 14 21:06
What a great article and it is great to actually see some positive feedback on Spanish wines.
As James Swann says, the demand is not there yet, the consumer needs to know the facts and ask for Spanish wines, as then the wine buyers will take a punt on some truly excellent wines out there. I should know, I've been trying to introduce niche Spanish wines into the UK for some time now!
The packaging of the wines is not over the top, but what you find in the bottle really is exceptional! Don't like to promote the company, so if anyone is interested in knowing a bit more, as we do sell directly to the consumer, do let me know.
sharon burbridge
November 29 08:37
NAVAJAS... from Bodegas Navajas situated in the village of Navarrete, Rioja is the best Rioja we have ever tasted...I love the Crianza and my husband loves Reserva and Gran Reserva...they are all Amazing wines !!!
James Swann
August 16 14:28
All this is very good in so far as it goes, however, Spain faces one simple challenge in the British market - no-one will pay top dollar for it and so its reputation for as a producer of fine wine remains challenged.
This is not particular to Spain, the fine wine regions dominant in Britain - Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Rhone, Tuscany, Barolo, followed, in price, by Rioja - haven't changed for a hundred years.
The Mosel, top California, top Australia, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, the Dao, all have been knocking on the door for years, but have not managed to get representation proportionate to their production and consistency - most being more consistent than many of the aforementioned regions, in particular, Spain and great value.
For at least 3 years the trade press has endorsed virtually all that has come from contemporary Spain, yet, buyers do not get behind them.
The simple fact is at the high end the British market is tremendously conservative, yet is it not the job of the wine buyer to attempt to create the market also.
warren knowles
August 11 16:59
I do find myself buying an awful lot of Spanish wines lately, the value out there is tremendous!
Agree with the article on packaging, lots of the newer wineries labelling is very eye catching, colourful and modern in it's approach.