By Amy Looker
Family-owned Australian wineries have managed to grab a significant amount of market share from two of the industry’s biggest players, according to new figures published by Adelaide Now.
The AC Nielsen figures paint a welcome picture for family-owned labels, including Yalumba and Brown Brothers, following a year that saw wine sales drop as over-supply went through the roof.
Industry leader, Foster’s Group, saw its market share drop from 28.5 percent in 2005 to 21.2 percent in 2009, while Constellation Wines Australia saw its market share go from 22 percent down to 13.5 percent.
The ready availability of lower-priced cleanskins produced by the large supermarket chains has managed to chip away at some of the market share previously held by Foster’s Group and Constellation Wines Australia, as has wine from New Zealand, particularly sauvignon blanc.
The top ten wine companies in Australia in terms of market share are:
1. Foster’s Group – 21.2 percent market share
2. Constellation Wines – 13.5 percent
3. Small manufacturers – 10 percent
4. Pernod Ricard Aust. – 10.2 percent
5. Supermarkets private label – 5.6 percent
6. Yalumba – 4.6 percent
7. De Bortoli – 4.6 percent
8. McWilliams – 3.8 percent
9. Brown Brothers – 3.4 percent
10. Fine Wine Partners (Lion Nathan) – 2.9 percent
Source: AC Nielsen