Reading Time: < 1 minute
New Zealand wine led United Kingdom wine sales over the holiday period.
New Zealand Winegrowers’ market manager for the UK and Europe, Chris Stroud, said that in the four-week period leading up to December 28 2024, New Zealand white wine was the country-of-origin leader in the still white wine category, with value growth up 7.3% and volume growth up 9.7% compared to the same period last year.
Annual Scan data compiled by Nielsen IQ shows New Zealand maintained a high average price of £8.09 (NZ$17.60) per bottle, well above the market average of £6.69.
Nielsen IQ is a consumer intelligence company that provides data on UK retail and consumer spending.
Stroud said sauvignon blanc remained the driver for this growth, accounting for £1 out of every £2 spent on sauvignon blanc in the UK.
“We are also seeing increased listings and performance with other white New Zealand varieties, such as pinot gris, which offers an opportunity for retailers to further premiumise the category.”
NZ red wines also enjoyed successful performance with the average price per bottle commanding over £10.50.
Stroud said this showed UK consumers were willing to pay a premium for NZ wines.
NZ wine exports reached $2.1 billion to year end June 2024.
Exports to the UK totalled $440 million, representing 21% of total exports.
The 2024 harvest was 395,000 tonnes.