THE WINE MERCHANT. An independent magazine for independent retailers
Issue 123, April 2023
Dog of the month: Max Caviste, Hook, Hampshire
Brexit blamed for waning enthusiasm for importing Many independents decide that costs and complications make direct sourcing of wine from Europe too problematic
S
ixteen out of every 100 wines on the shelves of independent wine merchants have been bought direct
from producers – a 5.5% decrease on a year ago. This year’s Wine Merchant reader survey reveals a growing hesitancy among many independents towards direct imports, with Brexit cited by many respondents as the chief stumbling block. Indeed 60% of respondents believe that Brexit will ultimately diminish the success of the UK wine trade, and 70% say the UK should rejoin the EU at the earliest possible opportunity. Tom Jones of The Whalley Wine Shop in Lancashire says: “We stopped buying
Despite the challenges, a quarter of indies say they will increase their direct imports this year
directly after the Brexit vote and the crash in the value of sterling. “Now, with the incredibly complex paperwork, customs declarations and other elements there is almost no incentive
one per cent will continue to source all
to increase imports. But it reflects a mood
their wines from UK importers.
among many merchants that going direct is
Perhaps surprisingly, twice as many
an important part of their purchasing mix.
for a business our size to navigate the
independents – 24% – say they will buy
challenge of buying directly.
wines this year as part of a formal buying
says Jonathan Sutton of Michael Sutton’s
group than as part of an informal collective
Cellar in Dartmouth.
“If the currency drastically improved then perhaps the rewards would outweigh
with other merchants.
“We’re happy with the wines we import,”
“Brexit has made no difference either
Not everyone is feeling gloomy about
positively or negatively to importing wine
imports and in fact a quarter of indies say
from Europe. In the last six months the
According to the survey, 3% of all UK
they will increase direct sourcing in the
importing process has been at its quickest
merchants expect to stop all direct buying
current year. The figure is much lower
that I can remember.”
from producers this year, while another 8%
than recorded last year, when more than
say they will reduce such activity. Twenty-
a third of respondents said they planned
the risk and hassle, but right now they don’t.”
• Our concluding reader survey coverage starts on page 22.