Facts & Figures

Market data, duty rates and useful links
The UK wine & spirit industry

£49bn

In economic activity

£21.7bn

In sales

£11.1bn in the off trade

£10.6bn in the on trade

358k

Employees across the supply chain

In 2018 the wine industry
In 2018 the spirit industry

£10.6bn

In sales

£11.1bn

In sales

81%

of UK adults that drink alcohol drink wine

79%

of UK adults that drink alcohol drink spirits

502

UK vineyards
2554 hectares under vine

361

UK distilleries
54 new distilleries in 2018

56%

Average TAX on wine

77%

Average TAX on spirits

£17.0bn

In total contributions to the public purse

UK Customs Clearances – HMRC monthly bulletin

Each month, HMRC publish an alcohol duties bulletin which shows totals clearances of alcohol in the UK. Clearances represent the total amount of alcohol which is ‘released for consumption’ or in others alcohol on which tax (UK excise duty) has been paid.

 

VAT

VAT is charged on the total of the value of the goods plus all payable duties (i.e. Excise duty and also customs duty if the latter is payable). For example, if a 75cl bottle of wine is imported from another EU member state at £5.00, the VAT will be calculated as follows: 20% x (£5.00+£2.00) = £1.40

For further details, visit the HMRC website