English Sparkling wine is top choice on the BRITS’ wine list

Approved Press Release on English Wine Survey for Trade Media

24th May 2006

The popping of corks may one day replace football as the favourite cross-channel rivalry between England and France, as English sparkling wine is certainly challenging France’s dominance in the Champagne and wine market - findings from a Food from Britain (FFB) survey has revealed. 

In anticipation of English Wine Week taking place from 27th May – 4th June, a blind tasting conducted at Roast - a Borough Market restaurant dedicated to British cooking and well-sourced seasonal produce – found that more than half of those surveyed (53%) voted sparkling English wine as a more favourable tipple than champagne, suggesting English vineyard owners should be more optimistic than ever!

The public’s positive perception of our national wine is reflected in its buying habits, particularly in restaurants.  While a decade ago the notion of English wine was scoffed at, 42% of people surveyed last year admitted to either having bought it or would consider buying it.

“I am not surprised at the result as over the past few years England has been placed firmly on the map as a quality wine producer” said Julia Trustram Eve of English Wine Producers. “I’m delighted to see this survey shows that the British public are beginning to recognise the quality and are favouring wines on their doorsteps instead of opting for champagne, which has always been considered the best sparkling wine in the world.”

Food from Britain, the market development consultancy for British food and drink producers, commissioned the survey to find out the nation’s perception of sparkling English wine versus its foreign counterparts in the run up to English Wine Week.  This year marks the fourth year FFB has sponsored the week, as part of its Defra funded campaign to boost awareness of British food and drink.     

Kirsty Grieve, Regional Food and Drink Manager at FFB, is delighted that FFB’s support may have had an impact on the public’s perception of English wine.

She said: “It is encouraging that by sponsoring English Wine Week for the past four years we have made a real difference to English wine producers.  It is fantastic that they are now gaining recognition for quality wine.  FFB will continue to support small producers across the whole of the food and drink industry so that they continue to thrive.”

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Notes to Editors 

Food from Britain, the market development consultancy for British food and drink producers, has been commissioned by Defra to develop and implement a programme of support for the British regional food and drink sector.  It is being delivered in association with a network of regional food and drink groups, and encompasses trade development, consumer awareness and increasing producer competitiveness.

Visit www.regionalfoodanddrink.co.uk to source quality British regional food and drink.

Visit www.englishwineproducers.com to locate the nearest vineyard.

For more information about Roast, see www.roast-restaurant.com or to book a table call 020 7940 1300.

Survey details

105 people were served a glass of Moët et Chandon and a glass of Ridgeview Merret Grosvenor 2001, and asked to choose their favourite.  53% of the public chose the English sparkling wine compared with the champagne.

CONTACT:

Katie Bott / Georgina Coles

Storm Communications

Tel. 020 7240 2444

Fax. 020 7240 2434

Email: georgina@stormcom.co.uk