Export Record for English Sparkling Wine

The UK drinks industry is celebrating a huge year for English sparkling wine exports. In 2016, English sparkling wine producers managed to secure 8 more export markets, bringing the total up to 27 countries.

Sparkling wine makes up almost 70% of the UK’s wine production and is quickly becoming renowned globally thanks to its high quality.

Countries from around the world now import UK sparkling wine, including lucrative markets such as the US, China, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong and the UAE, amongst many others.

Sussex winery Bolney Estate recently announced a £2m investment to fund production of a new winery and a major expansion into the US, Scandanavia and Asia.

Sales have been increasing year-on-year. M&S reported sales of UK wine doubled, and Waitrose had a 50% increase in sales of English fizz. Thanks to the growing demand, supermarkets are stocking a larger range of UK sparkling wine – Waitrose has added 12 more to the shelves.

With the export market increasing by a third in just one year, 2017 promises to be another positive step forward for the UK wine industry.