Chapel Down reports increase in online sales
English wine maker Chapel Down has said its online sales have increased dramatically following the government’s decision to close pubs, theatres and hospitality venues due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There has also been growth in sales in supermarkets and off licenses.
The crisis has meant that Chapel Down has been forced to close its tours, shops, restaurants and bars at its Curious Brewery site in Ashford and its winery in Tenterden. It has also decided to temporarily halt brewing beer and cider due to sales being mainly focused on the on-trade category. However, the company said it has enough stock to cater for take home and online customers for up to six months.
Frazer Thompson, Chapel Down chief executive, said: “These are challenging times, but we believe that the company is in a better position – strong in on-line and off-trade sales – than nearly all its competitors in English wine and craft beer. We have a good relationship with our bank HSBC, solid tangible assets and great brands. I believe we are in a very strong position to weather the crisis.”
