Yes way Rosé- Sales of summer drink favourite on the up in Ireland according to new Drinks Ireland|Wine Report

Sales of rosé wine grew last year, and the summer favourite now accounts for just under 6% of all wine consumed here, according to a new report released by Drinks Ireland|Wine today.

The Wine Market Report from the Ibec affiliated trade association, that 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%.

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.

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%. French and Italian wine also continue to prove popular among Irish consumers.

Wine is Ireland’s second most popular drink after beer, with a 27.2% share in the drinks market. In 2019 it saw a marginal gain of 0.2% of the alcohol sales market share.

Overall, wine sales remained relatively static in Ireland between 2018 and 2019. While overall sales are up marginally, per capita consumption of wine fell marginally, by 1.40%, reflecting the long term-trend which shows that overall alcohol consumption continues to decline here.*

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.

The report shows that 83% of wine was purchased in the off-trade in 2019, with 17% purchased in the on-trade which includes pubs, bars and restaurants.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Wine said:

“Ireland’s wine consumers continue to become more sophisticated in their tastes, supported by the huge amount of choice that that has come to the market over the past 20 years. 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.

“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. White wine remains the nations favourite, followed by red. Chilean wine is the most popular for a sixth consecutive year.”