New Zealand is bucking the trend of declining wine sales in the UK according to the latest figures from AC Nielsen.

Having grown 11.5% over the last year, Nielsen statistics show sales of New Zealand wines have rocketed in the UK by 42% in the last 12 weeks.

An unusually large 2008 harvest in New Zealand – up 39% in volume on 2007 – combined with favourable exchange rates, has resulted in greater value for money in NZ wines, which are being snapped up by consumers and retailers.

Sauvignon Blanc remains king, accounting for just over 75% of New Zealand’s wine exports last year.

New Zealand’s average bottle price in the UK is £6.26. The average bottle price of all wine sold in the UK is £4.01.

Written by Hazel Macrae

Hazel Macrae
Hazel Macrae
Decanter.com, Food & Wine PR Consultant

Hazel Macrae is the UK and international PR manager for food and wine at Marks and Spencer. She joined the company as press officer for food and wine in 2009, working her way up to senior press officer and head of PR for food and wine. Formerly, she was a freelance PR consultant and writer. She wrote several articles for Decanter between 2008 and 2011.