Why we import ... and why we don’t

As usual, there’s a huge difference of opinion among indies on the subject of direct sourcing

“As we get busier the ‘critical mass’ threshold for direct purchase is being passed by an increasing number of lines. This allows us to buy better and be more competitive.”

Rupert Pritchett, Taurus Wines, Surrey Hills

“We’re happy with the wines we import. Brexit has made no difference either positively or negatively to importing wine from Europe. In the last six months the importing process has been at its quickest that I can remember.”

Jonathan Sutton, Michael Sutton’s Cellar, Dartmouth

“In terms of shipping, the rules are now in place and we know the costs. Of course, it would be nice to rejoin the EU, drop these additional costs and be able to access the larger share of wines we used to be able to. But it is just not going to happen, at least in the next decade.”

East Sussex merchant

“While there is no question Brexit has made buying from Europe a more difficult and lengthy process, it still represents an opportunity to create more margin on the more popular wines. Collaborating with like-minded merchants has also proved successful in mitigating the risk of holding stock for longer periods.”

Greg Andrews, DVine Cellars, south London

“We have been sourcing a large part of our range directly from producers over the past 40-plus years and don’t see the need to change this in any way.”

“I am happy with the balance between UK and shipment purchases. Brexit has made it harder, but the demand and delays appear to have eased off compared to last year. We will see.”

Matthew Hennings, Hennings, West Sussex

“We continue to be able to offer the best value with the wines we directly import, so have gradually been working with all our producers over the last two years to increase the number of wines we buy from them. We expect this to continue over the coming year. We have also always imported full pallets, so apart from a few wines, where we used groupage, we have been able to carry on doing this, and it’s still been financially viable to do it.”

Alexandra Edwards, York Wines, Sheriff Hutton

“There are core wines in our range that prop up ex-cellars ordering and allow us to make extra margin or offer better pricing. We’ve struck a good balance with cash flow and there’s no need to increase or decrease volume unless sales go up.”

Hertfordshire merchant

“We work quite heavily through Vindependents. They provide a decent range with the opportunity to improve upon the margins provided by many UK suppliers. This has allowed us to explore wholesale opportunities more than we were able to previously, and creates a slightly more sustainable business model. It also allows for community and conversation within the independent trade, which has to be a good thing.”

Stefan Botfield, The Wine Cellar, Woburn

“It brings kudos to have some wines that no one else has got. But it’s difficult when you don’t have premises that are big enough to store large quantities of wine in.”

Scottish merchant

“With fuel surcharges, and general issues with transportation it is becoming less favourable to bring wines in ourselves. We will continue to bring some lines in, however the maths is starting to make less sense nowadays.”

Phil Innes, Loki Wines, Birmingham

“Brexit. Transport costs. Delays. Paperwork. I’d much prefer someone else to deal with it.”

Mark Stephenson, Grape & Grain, Morpeth

“We prefer to buy from UK agency companies, provided they support our events and promotional activity. The more they help us, the bigger the slice of the pie we give them.”

Anthony Borges, The Wine Centre, Great Horkesley

“We ship almost all the wine we sell. It’s not getting any easier. I may introduce a surcharge for Brexit voters.”

Ben Robson, The Bat & Bottle, Rutland

“We used to import but the hassle – and strong availability from UK suppliers – means there is less of a need to do so. It is not Brexit-related but more to do with storage and moving wine around, holding stock and the cash tied up therein.”

Cheshire merchant

“The cost of importing direct from the EU has increased again, and fuel prices are rising. We are better suited to carry on dealing with UK shippers.”

John Hattersley, Hattersley Wines, Bakewell

“We will pick regions where the processes are manageable and, where difficulties arise, will review whether or not to continue. We’re happy to move to using UK suppliers as an alternative if cost effective. Yes, Brexit is the primary factor, although transport costs with new world regions is also an issue.”

North London merchant

“We imported a bit too much last year and we have some frozen stock so we will be more cautious this year. Nothing related to Brexit.”

Alexandre Bal, Authentique, north London

“Buying direct has been of little interest over the last 15 years. A poor exchange rate at times, increased duty and additional paperwork has meant that it has been financially better to buy from UK agents. It also saves a lot of time and means we don’t have to worry about red tape and the new duty levels anywhere near as much as some would. We have a relationship with one producer which is historic and worth the extra effort. We have seen very little impact from Brexit other than a couple of additional paperwork costs.”

West Yorkshire merchant

You can still get the wines you want –if you plan ahead, argue some merchants

How important are these categories to you?

65%

Speciality spirits

Still the leading category outside wine, though down from 74% last year. (25% say very important; 40% say fairly important.)

British craft beer

Slightly down on the 60% recorded in 2022 and 2021 but another solid result. (19% say very important; 37% say fairly important.)

22%

56% 25%

Imported beer

After 33% in 2021 and 30% in 2022: are imports losing out to UK brews? (4% say very important; 21% say fairly important.)

17%

Cigars and tobacco

Another dip this year: indeed for 69%, tobacco is a non-event. (3% say very important; 14% say fairly important.)

13%

Glassware

Delicatessen items

Deli remains a core item for many, with a repeat of last year’s 22% score. (6% say very important; 16% say fairly important.)

Confectionery

Not far off the results recorded in 2022 and 2021: a useful add-on for some. (1% say very important; 14% say fairly important.)

Based on 186

Another category whose niche status seems entrenched. (3% say very important; 10% say fairly important.)

15% 9%

Wine accessories

Slipping from 13% last time; a category that is marginal for most indies. (0% say very important; 9% say fairly important.)

Based on 187 responses