This article takes a look at long-term problems in the UK wine trade, which is the world's largest importer, are threatening profitability for major suppliers who have become dependent on the market, according to Rabobank. Wine imports to the UK rose by 6% in the first half 2010, but this fails to compensate for the almost 10% decline in the same period 2009. "Even if import volumes do recover in the next two years, many traditional suppliers to the UK market still face serious longer-term issues," explained Stephen Rannekleiv, Executive Director Rabobanks's Food & Agribusuiness Research. British consumers are still cautious about spending in the face of slow economic recovery and government cuts. An increasing number of people now prefer to drink at home, where they can smoke if they want and don't have to worry about drink driving.
