The UK is on track to be a surprisingly high-volume wine producing region. But sales have slowed, raising questions over future industry strategy. Robert Joseph reports.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the United Kingdom was the world’s most valuable and influential export market for wine. Largely as a result of increased competition from other countries, more recently exacerbated by Brexit, it has lost that role. A new tax regime will make it even less attractive to exporters. Robert Joseph reports.
The topic of glass recycling is at the heart of quite different discussions in two parts of the UK. An initiative, backed by the London Wine Trade Fair is attempting to clarify the situation.
Britain is one of the three most important wine markets in the world — but its finance minister has just savagely raised the tax on wine and spirits. Robert Joseph considers the likely impact on the UK’s position as a target for exporters.
The northernmost part of the UK is planning to bring in a return scheme for bottles and cans this summer to improve its poor recycling rates. Many in the British drinks industry would prefer it not to.
The UK is now a wine producing nation, with increasingly well-regarded sparkling wines. These, however, represent a tiny part of national consumption and this is a market that is open to wines from across the world. Unlike the US with its three-tier-system, British wine retailers can import wine directly from producers. There are limited restrictions on marketing and communications. However, as Chris Losh reveals, this is a far from easy market. (Additional reporting by Robert Joseph)
Tradition demands the participation of individuals who are dedicated to preserving it. For the Trentino winegrowers’ cooperative Mezzacorona, this involves safeguarding the indigenous grape varieties Teroldego and Marzemino, showcasing their qualities both as monovarietal wines and in blends.
