Bagged, boxed and biodegradable wines gain in popularity
While overall wine sales may be declining in Western Europe, demand for green and organic products is experiencing new growth and being tapped as an important market for the industry, says a new global market research report.
Lightweight, sustainable packaging has become an emerging trend in Sweden, for example, where bagged and boxed wine accounts for 50 percent in volume sales, said analyst Katharina Oldenkotte of Euromonitor.
Meanwhile, a biodegradable paper bottle is being tested in the UK and set to launch on the market this year, she added.
Sustainable wine is also gaining ground in France, where a Bordeaux Sauternes "grand cru" -- the highest classification level -- was recently certified organic. The largest organic wine growing regions in France include Languedoc-Roussillon, Provences-Alpes-Cote-D'Azur and the Aquitane region.
French organic vineyards doubled between 2007 and 2010 and then increased again by 28 percent between 2009 and 2010 to 50,268 hectares (124,214 acres).
Other emerging wine trends in Western Europe include the rising demand for healthier options. The leader in low-calorie wines is the Skinnygirl brand, created by US reality TV star Bethenny Frankel and launched this year. The range of red, blush and white wines is pitched for the calorie-conscious female drinker. Each serving has 100 calories, about 15 percent lower than other wines, claims Frankel.
