Wine still on shopping list but spending down

Media Release

3 September 2009

Wine still on shopping list but spending down reveals survey

Nationwide ‘Kiwi Wine Habits’ survey commissioned by Liquorland Top 100 has revealed tough economic times are affecting the price New Zealanders are willing to spend on their favourite drop.

Almost half of the 1700 survey respondents admitted the recession is impacting the amount of money they are prepared to spend on wine, with the majority (67%) of New Zealanders spending $11 to $20 on a bottle of wine when entertaining at home.

However, despite shrinking budgets, most of us are still enjoying our favourite tipple on a regular basis, with the majority (24.8%) of New Zealanders drinking wine two to three times per week.

Director of the Liquorland Top 100, wine consultant Belinda Jackson, says these trends reflect New Zealanders penchant for a good glass of wine, even when times are tight.

“While the price consumers are ready to spend on wine may be decreasing, people are still choosing to drink wine on a regular basis, it’s part of their lifestyle.”

“The fact New Zealanders are still enjoying wine several times a week but selecting wines with a lower price point indicates more people are opting for a cheap night in with a bottle of wine rather than splurging on a big night out.”

“For those consumers tightening their purse strings but still wanting to enjoy quality wine, there are plenty of excellent local and international wines available at affordable prices.”

“The Liquorland Top 100 awards deserving wines across the price spectrum and covers 20 wine classes, so there is really something for every budget and preference,” says Belinda.

When questioned on the largest amount they have ever spent on a bottle of wine, 26.6% of New Zealanders answered $21 to $30. Only 11.3% have ever spent over $100 on a bottle of wine.

Now in its 16th year, the Liquorland Top 100 is the country’s largest commercial wine competition and has this year received 1,487 entries.

Last week 21 leading wine judges spent three days in Marlborough to evaluate the entries, with the task of revealing the 100 top wines commercially available in the New Zealand market, enabling wine drinkers to make a risk-free purchasing decision.

Entries are now closed and 100 hand-picked wines will be announced 2 October at an awards evening in Auckland. 

ENDS

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