Latest figures from market analysts AC Nielsen show sales of South African wines have overtaken French for the first time in the UK wine market. According to Wines of South Africa, South African wine sales grew 20% by volume to 12 270 000 9L cases, compared to a decline in French wine sales of 12% to 12 266 000 9L cases. South Africa is now the fourth largest selling country for wine in the UK. Commenting on the news Jo Mason, UK market manager, Wines of South Africa, said: “In 1994 our producers wouldn't have dreamt of selling more wine to the UK than France, but now the wine landscape has changed completely. UK consumers no longer default to European wine and the quality of wine from South Africa is up there with the best in the world.”
