Women drinkers boost wine sales

Wine sales in the UK are set to grow by more than 30% over the next four years, with much of the growth driven by women drinkers, according to the latest research from market analysts Mintel.

Despite negative images of "binge drinking females", women are enjoying a tipple more than ever before, both at home and when out socializing.

Between 1999 and 2004 overall wine sales grew by more than 30% from £5.8b to £7.6b.

!
Wine sales are set to grow by 30%

The market is expected to grow by the same percentage again by 2009, taking it to almost £10b. James McCoy, senior market analyst at Mintel, put the increase down to the "rising numbers of affluent, mid-life singles who drink during the week." He added that wine was more popular with women, because it was less gassy and not as fattening. Men are less likely than women to drink wine while out socializing, with 34% preferring to drink draught lager, while only 14% of women choose beer. Buy this week's *Caterer* magazine for more industry news and analysis