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The UK is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the world. Recently published statistics from the UK's Department of the Environment (Defra) show that the growth of wine-growing area there now ranks first, ahead of other crops. According to these statistics, wine is the agricultural product with the highest growth in England.
England's vineyards also recorded a growth rate of 21 per cent in the year to 1 June 2023. This makes vines the fastest growing genus of all horticultural and arable crops. They are thus even ahead of mixed cereals and small fruits. According to the figures, grapes now account for 36 per cent of the English soft fruit crop, ahead of strawberries and blackcurrants, which come in at 21 per cent each.
This figure is forecast to rise further. The British industry association WineGB reports an increase in vineyards by 74 per cent in only five years to currently 4,300 ha. This development will continue as plantings are expected to reach 7,600 ha by 2032. This would result in a potential of almost 25 million bottles.
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(uka / Source: Defra, Harpers)