NEW WORLD TAKES THE LEAD AT CO-OP

Published: 23 July, 2008

The New World has overtaken the Old World in the Co-op Group's latest sales figures. Speaking at the launch of its Summer Premire collection, wine development manager Paul Bastard said that New World wines now make up 54% of total sales, and that one in 10 of all bottles sold is South African. He said: It's really because of South Africa last year, and of course Australia and California are continuing to grow - we've got plenty of room to press the accelerator in Australia. We're also having a real go at California now.' The main losers in the reshuffle are eastern Europe, Spain and Portugal, although Bastard was quick to point out that while the Co-op is outperforming the market' for Portugal, it is down to only one brand: Ramada. He added: What have Australia, South Africa and California got in common? They're all feel-good holiday destinations; they're not just for the very rich; they're aspirational; and, crucially, they all speak English there.' The Co-op is listing six new wines from Australia, including the 2002 Boundary Road Shiraz from Margaret River at 5.99; six new wines from Chile, including the 2003 Trio from Casablanca Valley, a Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio/Pinot Blanc blend, which retails at 5.99; four South African wines, including the Co-op's own-label Fair Trade 2003 Chenin Blanc and 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, which both retail at 4.99; and two French wines, one English, three from the US, and a Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Bastard also pointed out that the company was hoping to receive official accreditation for its own-label Fair Trade South African wines, hopefully by the autumn.

Printer friendly version