The UK government has recently announced a series of wine reforms, bringing about significant changes to the country’s wine rules following Brexit. Despite being a relatively small player in the global wine market, the UK has been experiencing consistent growth in recent years, with a 36% increase in production in 2022. Furthermore, climate change has made the UK more favorable for vineyards, leading to a 74% growth in vineyard hectares in England and Wales over the past five years. In terms of wine imports, the UK is among the top three globally by volume, with the market being valued at over £10bn ($12.2bn) in 2022.
The reforms, which have been published after a consultation earlier this year, aim to address feedback from the industry regarding regulations that hinder innovation and sustainable practices. Restrictive packaging requirements, such as the mandatory use of foil caps and mushroom-shaped stoppers on certain sparkling wines, will be removed to reduce waste and packaging costs for businesses. Outdated rules on bottle shapes will also be eliminated, allowing producers to use different shapes. Additionally, imported wines will no longer require an importer address on the label, streamlining trade and reducing administrative burdens.
Moreover, the reforms offer producers more freedom to use hybrid grape varieties, enabling them to choose the best variety for their circumstances and mitigating vine loss due to disease or climate change. This change also provides consumers with greater choice. Other reforms include ending the ban on blending imported wines, allowing producers to develop a wider variety of wines and expanding consumer choice. Furthermore, producers will be permitted to make and market piquette, a lower-alcohol drink created by fermenting the rinse of by-products from wine production, meeting the demand for lower-alcohol beverages and creating new income streams.
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the UK’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association, welcomes the measures announced by the government, which align with the association’s longstanding recommendations. The removal of restrictive importer labeling rules will minimize the post-Brexit impact, as labeling the Food Business Operator (FBO) will suffice for both UK and EU markets. This maintains the UK as an attractive market and ensures access to a wide range of wines. Amendments to packaging rules will also contribute to reducing waste, benefiting businesses, the environment, and consumers.
Ned Awty, Director and Interim CEO of Wines of Great Britain, emphasizes that sustainability and innovation are central to the domestic wine industry. Therefore, any measures supporting these values are welcomed. The industry looks forward to further legislation changes that will foster the growth of Britain’s fastest-growing agricultural sector.
