British wine buffs have ditched their snooty attitude towards screw tops, boxes and pouches, according to research which shows that alternatives to the traditional cork and glass bottle are increasingly popular options for consumers. As many as four in 10 wine drinkers now agree that wine in a box or a pouch is as good quality as bottled wine, while just 26% think that boxed is inferior, according to the study by research company Mintel. Meanwhile, screw tops are seen as even less of an issue for wine lovers, with just 17% claiming not to trust screw-cap quality wine. Globally, an estimated 10% of still wines are sold in cartons but wine producers have recognised growing consumer enthusiasm for wines packaged in more convenient, lightweight formats. Red and white wines in 75cl Tetra Pak cartons have this month been launched in three UK supermarkets.
