Fine wine trade 'should prepare for six-packs'
Six-bottle cases are likely to become increasingly common in the fine wine market, according to Liv-Ex.
Six-bottle cases are likely to become increasingly common in the fine wine market, according to Liv-Ex.
Many Bordeaux producers have switched to the smaller pack size in the 2009 en primeur campaign, as allocations have been reduced, and Liv-Ex believes the UK trade should start planning to accommodate six-packs in their systems.
Research by the company has found that, over the past year, six-bottle cases traded at an average discount of 0.7% to 12-bottle sizes.
It said: "The 12x75cl case is so firmly entrenched as the standard unit of trade, particularly in the UK, that everything from price lists and valuations to IT systems and delivery charges are geared up to service it.
"A more equal split in trade between the two unit sizes may also result in reduced liquidity, making buying, selling and valuation more difficult.
"We may ultimately reach a position where the trade, and even collectors, are forced to treat 2x6x75cl and 12x75cl unit sizes as completely interchangeable, as long as they are both in original wooden cases.
"We are clearly not there yet. But with the 2009s due for delivery in the spring of 2012, it may be wise to start preparing."
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