A little sparkle in the market
Print15 May 2015
Despite huge pressure in the market over the past five years, over 1,000 people are still employed in wine distribution and sales in Ireland. Sales dropped very sharply from 8.4m cases in 2008 to 7.6m in 2009, but, by 2011 had recovered to 9m cases – even better than 2007. The rises in excise pushed sales down to 8.2m cases in 2013. Things seem to be recovering, though, with some licencees reporting that sales for January to April were better than during the same period in 2014.
In 2013, sales of sparkling wine were just over 2% of market share. Anecdotal evidence is that this has risen since then, largely driven by Italian prosecco. Some independents I spoke to said that, for them, sparkling was the category that saw the biggest improvement in 2014 and, although the increase was largely in prosecco, some of the customer interest had spread to champagne as well, particularly if there was a good discount on offer. It is widely felt that Spanish cava is underrated by consumers and that compared to Champagne and prosecco it is often better value for its price.
Optimism for 2015
Overall, retailers in the trade seem reasonably optimistic for the rest of 2015. Sales in general seem to have stopped falling, sparklers are increasing and, even better, there has been a small but significant increase in sales at above entry point. For example, sales of wines over €14 almost doubled during 2013 to 4.6% of the market and the feeling is that this has continued to improve. It was inevitable that, as prices rose, there would be a fall in the volume sales of cheaper wines, and almost 24% of wines are now sold at between €9 and €10. However, the segment between €10 and €12 has shown the sharpest increase and now stands at more than 17%, with further growth expected.
And while you’re digesting these figures why not add a couple of bubblies to your summer shopping basket. New Zealand’s Oyster Bay (Tesco, Dunnes, Londis) comes in white and rosé and is widely available at around €17. O’Briens has Guerrieri Rizzardi Prosecco in frizzante and full sparkling spumante styles (€14.99/€17.99). Or push the boat out and go for Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or Brut at around €45 (Corkscrew). This is a mainly pinot noir offering, quite full bodied with fine acid balance and subtle yeasty notes; it’s a treat which delivers on price.
Figures: Irish Wine Association
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