The UK market remains a major destination for many South African wines, so it was interesting to read renowned international wine author and judge, Robert Joseph’s predictions for 2012. Here are a couple of them:
— Much more packaging innovation: including PET, paper bottles, Zorks: (declared interest our own Greener Planet).
— Continued revival of natural cork (unfortunately) plus growing popularity of Diam and Nomacork synthetics.
— Increase in supermarket online wine sales + realisation that Tesco is quietly creating a great online range.
— Reduction in ranges in stores: fewer different wines; fewer producers/suppliers. Most consumers won’t mind/notice.
— Consumers who do care will be driven online or to independents – increasing the polarisation of the UK market.
— Australia continues to make its comeback. Argentina grows (thanks to supermarket own-brand Malbec).– Italy still does well, (with Moscato, Pinot Grigio and Prosecco) + Spain benefits from its great value cheap red.
— Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc will grow a following globally. Australian “Semillon Blanc” will become a real category.
— Successful arrival on UK shelves of Cupcake + similar US beverage wine brands. (Including sweet, “velvety” reds).
Given that the prediction were distributed by by Twitter, I would like to add my prediction of the continued growth in 2012 of social media as a communication channel for the global wine industry.
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