Brits to Get ‘Pint’ Size Wine for the First Time Ever
Hold tight, wine lovers! For the first time ever, British shelves will stock ‘pint’ sized wine bottles thanks to Brexit-fuelled freedoms. A new 568ml bottle size is set to hit supermarkets, pubs, and clubs across the UK in 2024, alongside the existing 200ml and 500ml options.
Big Boost for British Vineyards
The change is part of a clever Government shake-up to cut red tape and give the wine industry a proper leg-up. Some 900 British vineyards stand to benefit from these new rules, helping them ramp up production. Currently, UK vineyards produce around 12.2 million bottles of still and sparkling wine annually.
Thanks to the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, businesses can now freely sell prepacked still and sparkling wine in these new bottle sizes. The move promises more freedom for producers and better choice for drinkers.
Ministers and Industry Cheers New Choice
Kevin Hollinrake, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, said:
“Innovation, freedom and choice – that’s what today’s announcement gives to producers and consumers alike.”
“Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our great British wineries and further grow the economy.”
Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, added:
“We welcome the chance to harmonise still and sparkling bottle sizes and raise a glass to the greater choice this allows UK producers for domestic sales.”
More Perks for Northern Ireland and Beyond
The new framework also means bars, restaurants, and retailers in Northern Ireland can sell the new bottle sizes hassle-free, moving products along the retail “Green Lane” under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.
Alongside this, the Government announced it won’t introduce new laws on measurement markings after a public consultation. Instead, fresh guidance will encourage the use of imperial measurements, keeping things familiar for British consumers.
The Government vows to keep reviewing metrology and EU-derived regulations to ensure UK businesses thrive post-Brexit.
