Wine sales continue surge, say industry figures

Wine continues to be the strongest growing product category in the Irish alcohol market, according to new research published today by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.

The new research, based on figures received from the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Offices, measures the market share of different categories of alcohol in Ireland for the year 2004.

According to the figures, wine now accounts for 19.3% of the total alcohol market in Ireland. This compares to 53.3% accounted for by beer.

Spirits account for 18.6% while cider accounts for 8.8%.

However when compared to market shares in 2003, wine increased its market share by 14.3% over the 12 months while the market share of beer actually fell by 0.9%. The share of the market accounted for spirits and cider grew by 2.8% and 2.0% respectively.

The new research also confirms that alcohol consumption per capita rose by 1% between 2003 and 2004. Alcohol consumption per capita in 2004 was 3% lower than that recorded in 2000.

Dick Dunne, chairman of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland said that the research underlined the changing nature of the drinks industry in Ireland.

"This research shows we are already moving towards a more European style market for alcohol in Ireland with a growth in off-licence sales and an increasing market share for wine," said Mr Dunne.

DIGI is the representative organisation for companies and organisations involved in the manufacture, distribution and retail sales of drink products in Ireland.

The members of DIGI are: Beverage Council of Ireland; Cider Industry Council; Diageo Ireland; Irish Brewers Association; Irish Distillers Group plc; Irish Hotels Federation; Licensed Vintners Association; National Off-Licence Association; Restaurants Association of Ireland; Vintners Federation of Ireland; Wine & Spirit Association.

The new research released today coincided with the launch of a new website launched by the industry which contains facts and figures on the industry in Ireland.