Wine riding high despite beer sales drop

Published: 30 July, 2008

Sales of wine are holding out in the on and off-trade despite beer sales falling by 10%, according to the Academy of Food & Wine.

The association believes that rather than an example of the economic slowdown, falling beer sales demonstrate how consumer tastes are changing.

Chief executive Nick Scade said: "Consumer preferences have altered incredibly over the past 10 years and are becoming ever-more sophisticated.

"According to recent Nielsen figures 37p in every £1 spent on alcoholic drink is spent on wine. While I believe premium beers and specialist beers will always be popular with certain drinkers, the standard British pint is losing its attraction.

"A lot more people prefer drinking wine, and are becoming more knowledgeable about it. This year's star performer has been rosé, with customers moving away from the sweeter versions to drier varieties."

Earlier this week the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reported beers sales were down 4.5% this quarter.

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