Cork-sealed wines widen lead in UK market
New research shows cork-sealed wines continue to outperform the wider UK wine market in sales volume and market share.
Cork is strengthening its position as a quality indicator in the UK wine market, with new research commissioned by APCOR showing that cork-sealed wines continue to outperform the wider wine market. The findings were released on September 14, 2026, in New York.
The research indicates an increase in market share for cork-sealed wines, spanning both the retail and on-trade sectors. Consumers, particularly those purchasing premium wine segments, continue to associate cork closures with quality and aging potential.
APCOR highlighted that these trends support the continued use of natural cork as a sustainable and appropriate closure. The organization emphasized the unique properties of cork that contribute to wine's development over time in the bottle.
The data reinforces the choices made by winemakers who opt for cork to ensure the quality and long-term storage capabilities of their products.