The following article is brought to you by Jacob's Creek.
The occasion for wine
It's official, there has never been a better time to maximise sales of wine in your pub. New World wine, and specifically brands are championing the growth of wine in the on-trade.
Their easy going fruit driven style appeals to all drinking occasions - whether relaxing with friends or enjoying a meal.
Tim Foster, head of category management, Pernod Ricard UK, commented: "The business opportunity for wine is tremendous. It's all about offering a range of wine that meets your customers' needs, whether it is for drinking with or without food. Understanding the opportunity for wine is key - wine is now the most frequently drunk alcoholic beverage amongst adults."
Wine with food
Not surprisingly wine with food is now one of the most popular occasions to share a bottle of wine. One in three meals is enjoyed with wine. Of those enjoying a meal for two, 50 per cent choose wine over all other drinks.
When customers order food it is important to make sure that they are automatically offered a bottle of wine to accompany their meal. This is also an excellent way to increase profitability.
Wine without food
There is also huge potential for increasing wine sales for non-food occasions. In fact a higher proportion of wine is drunk without food in a pub environment than at home.
biggest occasion for wine lies in occasions such as "a relaxing drink with friends" and the early evening "after work" occasion. These represent great opportunities for offering wine by the glass, but also wine by the bottle for sharing among friends.
Wine recommendations
Popular wine varietals such as Semillon Chardonnay, Grenache Shiraz and Shiraz Cabernet are great all round performers, ideal with or without food.
Other varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dry Riesling really come into their own when enjoyed with a meal.
Key messages
- Wine is now growing faster than any other drinks category in the pub sector
- One in three meals is now enjoyed with wine
- New World wine and specifically branded wines are successfully driving wine growth in the on-trade