Bestway launches ranges to fit wine trends

UK independent wholesaler Bestway is expanding its wine offer with new lines it says are designed to help on-trade operators capitalise on consumer trends.

Wine sales in the on-trade are valued at £3.9bn by the IWSR, with wine accounting for almost 20% of the value of drinks bought when consumers are out in pubs, bars and restaurants. Helping operators maximise the opportunity, Bestway’s new additions include Royal Prosecco and Toro Riendo, an own label ‘everyday’ collection of Spanish wines, which will be sold exclusively by Bestway in the UK. 

Prosecco overtook Champagne as the UK’s favourite sparkling wine last year.  Roopinder Toor, Bestway licensed category controller, says: “We have seen triple digit growth in Prosecco sales at Bestway over the last year, and are delighted to be bringing Royal Prosecco to market.

“It is a quality brand, produced in Treviso which has continually proven itself as the home of the best Prosecco, and offers bright and fresh fruit flavours that make it the perfect sparkler for a range of occasions, whether accompanying food in a restaurant or sharing with friends in the bar on a night out.”

Spanish wine sales have grown across the board with Rioja achieving a 10% increase last year. A third of all wines from the Rioja region are exported to the UK. And with the growth of Rioja, consumers are exploring the wider Spanish wine offer – a trend which the Toro Riendo range of everyday wines caters for with its five variants:  dry, medium and sweet whites, a medium bodied red and a medium dry rosé.

Bill Creighton, Bestway wine category manager, says: “The Toro Riendo (Laughing Bull) range presents a playful, modern image.  Bar fridges are full of new world wines, but Europe still has a key role to play and Toro Riendo is the perfect opportunity for licensees to capitalise on the category.”

29 January 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor