THE WINE MERCHANT. An independent magazine for independent retailers
Issue 140, October 2024
Dog of the month: Teddy Vinotopia, Nailsworth
Long-term prospects look good for indies, report says Sales are up 25% on five years ago, according to Liberty Wines study – though most indies have seen falls since 2022
T
he independent wine market
Data Insights, which works with banks to
also reveals that the number of consumers
Indies are slightly outperforming chains
has grown by 25% since 2019,
according to a new report, which
shopping at indies increased by 10% during that time.
The study, commissioned by Liberty
Wines, analyses card spending in 100 of the UK’s leading independent wine
shops. It was carried out by Hospitality
build up a detailed picture of consumer behaviour.
such as Majestic in terms of the growth they have seen in their wine sales, the
report says, with supermarkets lagging a long way behind.
“This report gives us real optimism for
the long-term future of indies,” says Liberty
Wines chief executive Tom Platt. “Not only is the indie market 25% larger today than
it was in 2019, but the quality of wine sold is higher.
“Perhaps more importantly, the number
of consumers shopping at indies is up 10% since 2019, due to an increase in younger shoppers. There is a real opportunity
for indies to encourage these younger consumers to spend more over time
The sector could do more to attract female customers, the report says