New Zealand Wine Bucking the Trend in the UK

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May 19, 2009

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.

This is in direct contrast to European countries such as France, Spain and Italy which have suffered as a result of the strength of the euro and the harsh economic climate.

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.