findings from the The Wine Merchant reader survey
In each issue of the London Wine Fair Times we will announce a finding from London Wine Fair media partner The Wine Merchant 2025 readers survey.
Issue 1
49.5%
The proportion of independent wine merchants who now offer wine for consumption on the premises as well as for retail sale.
The Wine Merchant’s annual survey of independents has been tracking this trend for more than a decade. Back in 2014, only around a quarter of indies operated the hybrid wine shop/wine bar model. Now it’s about half, with advocates reporting that drink-in sales are not just a useful revenue stream in their own right – they also have a positive impact on shop sales.
But the policy isn’t right for everyone, for a variety of reasons, such as licensing and space restrictions, longer opening hours and increased staffing. Indeed, more than four in 10 indies say they have no desire to introduce on-premise drinking.
Next finding will be announced on 3rd April.
Are you an independent merchant interested in attending London Wine Fair? We have a bursary programme dedicated to indies. Please get in touch with enquiries@londonwinefair.com to register your interest.
