Rosé Wine Sales Rise 5% in Value as Red and White Wines Decline

Rosé wine sales are showing notable growth, standing out in a wine market that has otherwise seen shrinking demand for still wines. According to the latest Market Report from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), rosé sales increased by 3% in volume and 5% in value during 2025 compared to the previous year. This growth generated £882 million in sales, even as red and white wines continued to decline. Red wine volumes fell by 6%, while white wine dropped by 4% over the same period.

The report highlights that 129 million 75cl bottles of rosé were sold last year, up from 125 million the year before and about 122 million bottles in 2023. The WSTA notes that rosé is no longer just a summer beverage. Sales during the summer months of 2025 rose by 1% compared to the previous year, and another 1% increase was recorded over the 12 weeks leading up to December 27.

Retailers have observed this shift in consumer behavior. Poppy De-Courcy-Wheeler, rosé buyer at Waitrose, said that rosé has become an all-year-round choice for customers. She explained that people are choosing rosé for various occasions, whether they want something light and dry for social gatherings or a more robust option to pair with food. She also noted an uptick in sales as Easter approached, with many customers selecting rosé for their holiday meals.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, commented on the significance of this trend for the industry. He described rosé as a "ray of sunshine" for producers and retailers facing challenging market conditions. Beale pointed out that while red and white wine sales have been declining since 2023, rosé continues to show steady growth throughout the year. He emphasized that this increase provides some relief for businesses dealing with regulatory pressures and rising taxes.

The data suggests that consumer preferences are shifting, with more people choosing rosé regardless of the season. This change is helping to offset declines in other categories and offering some stability to a sector under pressure from broader economic challenges. The continued rise in rosé sales may influence how retailers stock their shelves and how producers plan their offerings in the coming years.