Wine is consumers' favourite tipple, says poll

Published: 18 May, 2012

Wine is still the consumers' favourite tipple, but in these cash-strapped times they are cutting down on going out to pubs and restaurants, says a poll commissioned by the WSTA.

The Populus poll, which surveyed 2,007 British adults, found that 38% of the public drink wine on a weekly basis, compared with 32% for beer.

However, the economic crisis is having an impact on consumer spending, with two-thirds making cutbacks over the past few years. Eight out of 10 respondents say they have seen alcohol costs rise in the past two years and 79% have cut back on eating out, while 59% have cut down on trips to the pub. Tight budgets mean 72% would spend less dining out, while 69% would rein in spending in a pub or bar.

Those questioned said the most important factor for them when choosing wine was whether they knew or liked it. Sixty-seven percent of respondents regarded this as the most important factor when selecting a wine, just ahead of it being on special offer (64%).

Gavin Partington, interim chief executive of the WSTA, said: "Wine continues to be the most popular choice among drinkers but the tough economic times continue to have a real impact on consumer spending.

"While price and promotion remain important factors in determining what people buy, it's interesting that a greater number say it's more important to have a wine they know they like."

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