83% of wine was purchased in the off-trade in 2019, with 17% purchased in the on-trade, which includes pubs, bars and restaurants, according to a new report released by Drinks Ireland|Wine today.
The Wine Market Report from the Ibec affiliated trade association, which represents wine importers and distributors in Ireland, found that white wine is the most popular in Ireland, accounting for 48% of wine consumption, followed by red at 46%.
Popular Choice
The report also analysed the country of origin with regard to wine sold and consumed in Ireland.
Chilean wine remains the most popular wine in Ireland, with an estimated 27.5% wine market share for the 6th successive year.
Spanish wine was the nation’s second favourite, with an estimated 14% market share, followed by Australian, with an estimated 12.8%, while French and Italian wines continue to be popular among Irish consumers.
“Ireland’s wine consumers continue to become more sophisticated in their tastes, supported by the huge amount of choice that has come to the market over the past 20 years," said Jonathan McDade, head of Drinks Ireland|Wine.
"In 2000, 4.8 million cases of wine were sold here, and by 2019 over 9 million cases were sold. This comes at a time when overall alcohol consumption is falling in Ireland, so we can really see how Ireland’s love affair with wine has grown," he added.
Rosé Increase
Rosé, while still having a low share compared to white and red wine, has grown considerably over the past few years.
In 2016, it accounted for 3% of wine consumption, up to just under 6% by 2019.
“Last year we saw more consumers choosing rosé, and if we look over the past few years we can see that its popularity has grown," said McDaid.
Excise Tax
The wine sector makes a significant contribution to Ireland’s economy, with excise receipts valued at €378 million in 2019.
However, the report notes that Ireland has the highest excise on wine in the EU, with €4.87 from a €9 bottle of wine going to tax, €3.19 of which is excise.
Wine is Ireland’s second most popular drink after beer, with a 27.2% share of the drinks market.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
