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New Zealand strengthens hold on premium price points in the UK

Published:  26 November, 2015

New Zealand wines continue to dominate sales at premium price points in the UK market, according to data from Nielsen.

In the £7.01 to £8.00 bracket, New Zealand is the market leader, with a 22% share of volume and sales up 23% year on year.

It is second only to France for all price points above £7.01 in terms of both volume and value of sales for the year to October 10.

At £7.37, New Zealand's average bottle price is higher than that of any other wine-producing country. The UK market average is £5.46.

Volume and value are both up 10% overall year or year, against a UK market that has contracted by 2%.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the UK's leading grape variety with an 11% share.

The varietal will be showcased at New Zealand's annual trade tasting in January. New Zealand Winegrowers are also planning the inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, to be held in the Marlborough wine region in February 2016.

Chris Stroud, marketing manager Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers, said: "It's great to see New Zealand wine continue to perform so strongly and grow at such a healthy rate, bringing value and volume to a market which is otherwise in decline.

"New Zealand wine has a premium price, yet continues to grow at a faster rate than other wine producing nations, demonstrating the reputation that New Zealand has for delivering quality wines.

 "Sauvignon Blanc is a clear favourite of UK consumers, and that shows no sign of diminishing, New Zealand leads the category with 39% share, and growth of 12%."

Wine is currently New Zealand's sixth biggest export good, with wine exports valued at some £640 million.

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