"The Rise, and Rise, of Sauvignon Blanc in the Global Marketplace"

Created on January 21, 2021

2021

Concours Mondial du Sauvignon quoted Jonas De Maere extensively in this global market analysis of Sauvignon Blanc’s growth trajectory, alongside wine buyers from Italy, Australia, and the UK.

Read the article — Concours Mondial du Sauvignon     Read the article — Sauvignon Selection     Download PDF

Key Data Points Shared

Sauvignon Blanc’s share at Ahold Delhaize USA Sauvignon Blanc accounted for approximately 15% of white wine sales at Ahold Delhaize USA — the third best-selling varietal after Chardonnay (35%) and Pinot Grigio (25%). While Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio were flat, Sauvignon Blanc had been growing at approximately 17% per year for three consecutive years.

The New Zealand effect A few years prior, most Sauvignon Blanc sales were domestic Californian wine. By 2021, New Zealand had grown to an equal 44% market share, with California and New Zealand together making up 88% of total Sauvignon Blanc sales at Ahold Delhaize USA — a dramatic shift driven by brands like Oyster Bay, Cloudy Bay, and Kim Crawford.

Style shift follows origin shift “With New Zealand growing faster, we are seeing more crisp and fruity styles working very well. Domestic producers are trying to imitate that fresher style as well.”

Outlook “I think we will see growth over the next few years — Sauvignon Blanc still has some room to grow. The consumer seems to be shifting away from the overly sweet and oaked wines. I wonder whether there will be opportunities for the classic styles of Sauvignon Blanc such as Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé based on the success of the varietal. It’s early to tell, but I do hope so!”