13 June 2011
Hawke’s Bay beats Barossa in the UK
Hawke’s Bay beats the Barossa Valley in a ranking of wine regions, according to UK regular wine drinkers’ purchases. It is the first time Hawke’s Bay wines appear on the survey’s regional short list.
The Consumer Intelligence Report for May 2011 released by The Wine and Spirit Trade Association and Wine Intelligence, surveys UK wine consumers’ choices with a section highlighting regional awareness and purchases of wine.
In this most recent report, Hawke’s Bay features for the first time, ranking at 14 ahead of Australia’s Barossa Valley at 15.
“Nine percent of regular UK wine drinkers said they’d purchased Hawke’s Bay wine in the last three months,” says Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer of HB Winegrowers Inc. “This is clear evidence that Hawke’s Bay wine is now recognised and purchased on a regular basis in the world’s most mature wine market. It is a huge accomplishment given our size and distance from the market.
“The achievements we have made over the last three years are increasing sales of Hawke’s Bay wine. Once upon a time wine consumers in this market had never heard of Hawke’s Bay, let alone realised the wines were from New Zealand! And to be ahead of the Barossa, Australia’s most well-known red wine region, that’s something to really be proud of,” says Ms Bevin.
Ms Bevin puts the achievement down to international hosting undertaken by the region over the previous years, holding regional Cabernet Merlot and Syrah forums and symposiums for international guests, and most significantly, the quality of wines shown by Hawke’s Bay producers.
In the same report Merlot remains at the top of the list for UK red wine drinkers followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Syrah. Chardonnay still leads the white wines followed by Sauvignon Blanc.
“Hawke’s Bay’s best wines are the styles that the major markets want. The region is well positioned as recognition continues to grow,” says Nicholas Buck, Chairman of Hawkes Bay Winegrowers.
For further information contact:
Lyn Bevin, Executive Officer
Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. Phone 876 3418
