Strengthening organised wine trade

An increasing quantity of wine is sold in the major retail chains. In the June 2007- May 2008 period, sales were up by 3 per cent in terms of quantity and by 10 per cent in terms of value, compared to the preceding year in the nine retail chains monitored by Nielsen. Combined annual wine sales of the nine chains exceed HUF 19 billion. Red wine is more popular than white, with a market share of 54 per cent in terms of both value and quantity. Sales of rose wine are up to 7 per cent in terms of value. Average prices are rising. Demand for sweet wine is growing, with its market share up by 1 per cent since last year, to 20 per cent. Dry wine continues to account for 50 per cent of the market in terms of value. 0.75 litre bottles account for the largest part of sales (74 per cent in terms of value). Private labels play only a marginal role in the wine market. Their market share remains 5 per cent.