This report covers all sparkling wines (made from fresh grape) sold in the UK for consumption both in the home and out of home, with the exception of champagne.

Sparkling wine was long regarded as the poor relation of champagne, cheap and cheerful, but of indifferent quality. Recently, sparkling wines have been increasingly perceived as being very informal and suitable for drinking on almost any occasion.

There is now a huge variety from which to choose, including white, rosé and even red, from all over the world at varying prices, although the majority are less expensive than champagne, making them an increasingly attractive proposition for more frequent drinking. The success of cava has been instrumental in driving growth in the market.

This report covers all sparkling wines (made from fresh grape) sold in the UK for consumption both in the home and out of home, with the exception of champagne.

Sparkling wine was long regarded as the poor relation of champagne, cheap and cheerful, but of indifferent quality. Recently, sparkling wines have been increasingly perceived as being very informal and suitable for drinking on almost any occasion.

There is now a huge variety from which to choose, including white, rosé and even red, from all over the world at varying prices, although the majority are less expensive than champagne, making them an increasingly attractive proposition for more frequent drinking. The success of cava has been instrumental in driving growth in the market.

Growing interest in the market has prompted investment in marketing and promotion and encouraged retailers to take sparkling wine seriously – the development of own label sparkling wine is widely seen as an endorsement of the market’s success.

Will we soon be raising a toast to sparkling wine in its own right as it continues to move from under champagne’s shadow?