UK wine sales under significant pressure
Figures released by the wine industry show a fall in wine sales in the UK for the first time in over a decade and only the second time in 20 years. The report, by Mintel, suggests that UK wine drinkers consumed 1.16 billion litres of wine which is a fall of 2% on the previous year. It seems as though a mixture of health issues, the recession and the ever increasing rate of tax on alcohol has finally taken its toll.
On average each household in the UK consumers just over one bottle of wine a week and while significantly up on the average consumption figure of just half a bottle of wine 20 years ago there are concerns about the short-term future. It also appears that the availability of cheap alcohol in general has seen more people drinking at home and less people drinking wine. However, when you consider the 17% increase in wine tax just last year, which now equates to £1.61 on a standard bottle of wine, is it really any surprise to see sales down?
Historically a drink for the middle classes, wine has received widespread approval across the UK and is seen in many homes up and down the country. However, like so many "everyday products" it has attracted the ongoing attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a constant rise in the taxation charge.
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