Waitrose's Top Wine Trends of 2018: New + Organic Top the List

Canned wine and organic wines are among the top 10 drinks trends from Waitrose's Food and Drink Report 2018.

This according to MW Pierpaolo Petrassi, who heads up the drinks division at the UK supermarket chain. The company's organic wine sales were up 54% last year.

The company carries organic wines from 54 producers in 18 regions around the world. Bonterra from the U.S. is a major supplier.

"A few years ago, if you were offered an organic version of a drink, you’d expect an element of compromise," the report says. "Maybe you’d find the taste a bit rustic, or the price would make you think twice. This is no longer the case."

"It’s now impossible to taste two wines and say ‘this one’s organic and this one isn’t’. People are buying organic wines because they’re good."

Pierpaolo Petrassi MW head of Wines, Beers & Spirits at UK supermarket chain Waitrose

"Today, winemakers think about the degree to which they intervene in their vineyards more than they used to. If they can find a way to grow grapes organically, creating a product that’s as good value and as good quality as non-organic wine – and in some cases even more flavoursome – then what’s not to like? From drinkers to vintners, it’s time to give organic options serious consideration."

Elsewhere Harpers reported that Waitrose found success with  two organic wines in cans - a rosé and a syrah - from Chateau Maris that "became the hit of summer 2018." The retailer says it expects further growth in this category.

Find in-depth coverage on canned wines from organic vines at Organic Wine Insider.