Prosecco sales outfizz champagne and sparkling wine
Prosecco sales in the UK are continuing to beat those of champagne and sparkling wine according to analysis of grocery sales data by IRI.
Figures released by the market and shopper intelligence specialist show that Prosecco sales now total £338 million and, with sales value growth of 72% in the last year, added £142 million to the grocery sector.
Meanwhile, champagne sales were relatively flat with sales growth of just 1.2% in the last year and sales volume down by 0.4%. This was despite the bigger players Moet and Lanson having good years.
Toby Magill, head of beer, wine and spirits insights at IRI, said: “Prosecco is a fashionable drink that provides a cheaper and excellent quality alternative to champagne. It’s no wonder that it now outpaces champagne in value and volume and is being chosen above champagne at weddings. It’s quickly becoming the nation’s summer drink of choice.”
He added: “Champagne brands will need to focus on helping shoppers see the value of their premium brands if they want to fend off the advances of their popular prosecco cousins as they move into the premium end of the sparkling wine category.”
IRI’s analysis is based on actual sales of products across UK off-trade retailers, including supermarkets, off-licenses, convenience stores and independents, in the 52 weeks ended 18 July 2015.
