The latest report from the marketing research agency AC Nielson shows SA wine sales grew by 20% in volume to 12.27 million 9-litre-cases.

French sales fell by 12% to 12.266 million 9-litre-cases. This was for the twelve month period ended 23 January this year. In 1994 South Africa’s wine export was 50 million litres compared to about 400 million litres last year.

“In 1994 we couldn’t have dreamed that we would sell more wine in Britain than the French,” Jo Mason, Wines of South Africa (Wosa) marketing manager in Britain, said. “Wine consumers in Britain no longer regard European wine as their first choice. South African wine can compete with the best in the world.”

Mason says the SA achievement of surpassing French wine in Britain coincides with hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which will put more of a spotlight on the country. That should be able to contribute to the success of South African wine.