Cost of wine could rise by an average of 38p per bottle
As per the proposal, tax duties on wine over 11.5% ABV would rise, meaning around 80% of all still wines enjoyed in the UK would be more expensive.
These figures come after the sector was warned last week the price of a pint in a pub could rise by 50p across the UK due to ballooning inflation on top of the increasing cost-of-living.
Limiting customer choice
Broadcaster and Wine Drinkers UK supporter Helena Nicklin said: “Wine is the UK’s most popular alcoholic drink but the Chancellor’s proposed changes to the alcohol duty regime will drive up the price of wine and potentially limit consumer choice.”
Top 5 selling red wines | Top 5 selling white wines | ||
Hardy’s Shiraz | +58p | Hardy’s Crest Chardonnay | +35p |
Barefoot Merlot | +47p | Barefoot Pinot Grigio | +12p |
Yellow Tail Shiraz | +47p | Yellow Tail Chardonnay | +35p |
Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon | +47p | Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc | +35p |
McGuigan Black Label Shiraz | +35p | McGuigan Reserve Chardonnay | +24p |
Wine Drinkers UK, a collection of leading wine lovers, makers, and sellers, revealed 32% of all Brits prefer wine with 43% of female drinkers having listed wine as their favourite alcoholic drink compared to 7% who listed beer, while 44% of male drinkers said beer was their favourite tipple with only 7% having listed wine.
The collection also revealed since 2010 wine drinkers have paid £5.9bn more duty than beer drinkers, with women (58%) almost twice as likely to choose wine than men (31%), according to a poll of 2,191 people conducted by YouGov on behalf of Wine Drinkers UK.
Struggling to cope
While the consultation period for the Governments Alcohol Duty Review closed yesterday (Sunday 30th January), but Wine Drinkers UK have called for the review to rectify the tax on wine, which has seen faster and higher tax increases than other alcoholic beverages over the last few years, through the launch of its Cut Back Wine Tax campaign.
Nicklin said: “This is a double whammy for women who are more likely to choose to wind down with a glass of wine than a pint of beer. It is especially unfair at a time when so many ordinary people are struggling to cope with the cost of living.”
