Wine sales in Ireland declined by 13% in 2021, to their lowest level since 2015, according to a new report released today.
The Wine Market Report 2021 from Drinks Ireland|Wine details how wine sales increased during lockdowns in 2020, despite overall alcohol consumption declining during this time, as consumers moved away from categories like beer and wine, which are popular in pubs, but the reopening of the on-trade sector later last year saw sales of wine fall.
Most Popular Wines
White wine remains the most popular in Ireland, with a 48% market share, with red wine holding a 45% share – both unchanged from 2020 – the report shows.
Rosé has become increasingly popular in Ireland in recent years, particularly during the summer months. While its market share remained static in 2021, it has grown from 3% in 2016 to 7% in 2021.
Elsewhere, the market share of sparkling wine went down marginally, from 2.3% in 2020 to 2.0% in 2021.
Wine Regions
Meanwhile, Chilean, Spanish and Australian wines are the top three most popular in Ireland, respectively, but all of their market shares declined last year.
While French wines remain the fourth most popular, France was one of the few countries that saw an increase in its market share.
This was primarily due to French wine being easier to export to Ireland, compared to the logistical challenges that face wine in other markets.
The report shows that wine is the nation’s second-most popular drink after beer, with a market share of 29.3% – down by 2.9% last year.
Call For Excise Tax Cut
With 54% of a standard bottle of wine going to tax, Drinks Ireland|Wine has called for excise to be cut.
Jonathan McDade, director of wine at Drinks Ireland, said, “Today’s report illustrates some interesting trends among Irish wine consumers last year, as the country emerged from Covid restrictions.
“While sales held steady for the first quarter of the year, there were significant falls in sales for the rest of 2021.”
Next Two Budgets
McDade said that the group is calling for a 15% decrease on excise on wine over the next two Budgets.
“As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, Irish consumers face the highest excise on wine in the EU, which is €3.19 on a standard bottle. For sparkling-wine drinkers, the excise hit is doubled, with a rate of €6.37 on a standard bottle.
“This is effectively a tax on life’s celebrations and special occasions. This disproportionate, high level of tax must urgently be addressed at this challenging time.”
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more drinks news, click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
