Market research
The UK helped drive an increase in South Africa's wine export sales last year, despite a volumes fall in the country.
The UK remains the leading destination for South African wine by value and the country held on to its top spot with a 5% rise in value sales in 2018, according to new figures from Wines of South Africa. The increase came despite a 3% drop in volumes as winemakers focused on higher value wine sales to the country, the trade association said earlier today.
Overall, South African wine exports were up in value terms by 4% last year, driven by the UK and sales to other African countries, which were up 16%. WoSA described Africa sales as "mixed", without providing further detail. Top performers in the region were Kenya, up 73%, and Zimbabwe and Zambia, up 35% and 33%, respectively.
However, the biggest drag on exports was the US, which was down in 2008 by 15%.
South African Wine Exports 2018: Top eight markets by value
| Market | Value (SAR m) | +/- on 2017 | |
| 1 | The UK | 1,844 | +5% |
| 2 | Germany | 1,329 | +9% |
| 3 | The Netherlands | 693 | +1% |
| 4 | African countries | 608 | +16% |
| 5 | The US | 545 | -15% |
| 6 | Sweden | 510 | +8% |
| 7 | Canada | 467 | -6% |
| 8 | China | 459 | -5% |
Source: Wines of South Africa
In line with South Africa's premiumisation drive, wines under ZAR19.99 (US$1.44) per bottle were down 32% in value while wines above ZAR80 were in double-digit value and volume growth. South Africa's biggest price category by volume, ZAR20-to-ZAR39.99, was up 7% in value and 8% in volume.
Sectors: Wine
