When it comes to wine, brand may play less of a role in sales than other factors.
Early in the decade, the wine industry experienced strong volume growth, and the industry’s upward trajectory has continued into recent years; however, the rate of growth has decelerated. According to Technomic Inc.’s 2015 WineTAB report, total wine volume rose 1% in 2014, and a similar pace of expansion is expected for 2015 and beyond.
“Primary factors influencing the industry’s performance include slowed per capita consumption growth and the proliferation of brands and styles, as well as competition from spirits and beer for consumer attention and occasions,” said Donna Hood Crecca, senior director at Technomic Inc. “Consumers are highly engaged with wine and learning more about it every day—we also see consumer trade-up happening—but the number of choices they face at the restaurant table and in the retail store can be almost overwhelming.”
While the leading wine brands achieved mixed results, the fastest-growing wine brands reveal that a range of variety of styles, varietals and regions appeal. The roster also shows consumer interest in wines with interesting back stories and philanthropic connections, unique production methods and convenient packaging.
Technomic Inc. tracked more than 1,250 wine brands and 125 suppliers, and developed consumer insights into wine preferences and purchasing behaviors for the 2015 WineTAB Report, which is part of Technomic’s Trends in Adult Beverage series. WineTAB provides an in-depth look at national volume and sales information on wine categories, brands and suppliers, as well as actionable outlook and projection information, and consumer insights around wine purchases on premise and at retail.
Additional information about the wine industry is also available on DRINK (Digital Resource INformation Knowledgebase), Technomic’s online resource featuring spirits, wine and beer volume and sales information, category analysis, New Product Tracker, on premise channel intelligence and additional tools and insights for adult beverage professionals. DRINK is searchable, exportable and constantly updated.