Simplicity the key for wine closures

Published: 23 July, 2008

The most important feature of a wine closure is the ease of use, a new survey has shown. The survey, conducted by Skalli & Rein in May, and featuring 1,000 responses from 55 countries, showed that simplicity' was the key feature of any wine closure.

The second most popular was 'security' (proper sealing), with 'sincerity' (TCA-free) close behind. As to the question 'What will final consumers like to use in the future?', screwcap was the most popular reply among New World respondents, although natural cork came out on top in the Old World.

In terms of usage, New Zealand uses the highest percentage of screwcap closures (72%); Australia is the largest screwcap

market (390 million), while France is the largest wine closure market (2.9 billion natural corks, 444 million synthetic cork

and 103 million screwcaps).

Looking to the future, the report claimed a 'new balance of powers' was the most likely outcome, followed by 'death of the natural cork'. 'Rebirth of the natural cork' was judged the least likely scenario.

Among other closures, bag-in-box (which accounts for 50% of all wine sold in Australia by volume) 'continues to gain public acceptance, and could conquer a new segment in the on-trade'; synthetic corks are increasing by 20% a year, but 'must soften their closures'; and alternative closures are 'still too expensive'.

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