Government Announces Introduction of 568ml Wine Bottles for Greater Consumer Flexibility

In a move heralded as a “Brexit win,” the British Government has unveiled plans to allow the sale of 568ml bottles of still and sparkling wine, a measure previously restricted under EU regulations. This new pint-sized option will be available in supermarkets, pubs, and restaurants, offering more flexibility and variety for UK consumers.

Under current rules, still wine cannot be sold in quantities smaller than 200ml, and sparkling wine cannot be sold in sizes under 500ml. The introduction of the 568ml bottle will sit alongside existing options, providing consumers with a wider range of choices.

Historically, pint-sized bottles of Champagne were available in the UK before the country joined the European Common Market in 1973. However, these bottles were phased out as they did not comply with EU regulations on weights and measures. The new post-Brexit legislation will allow UK vineyards—currently producing approximately 12.2 million bottles of still and sparkling wine annually—to benefit from these “freedoms” and offer a broader selection of bottle sizes.

However, French champagne producers, including Pol Roger, have made it clear that they have no immediate plans to return to pint-sized bottles. According to the champagne house, the cost of redesigning glass molds and the lack of demand make it an unlikely business move.

The decision to introduce these new bottle sizes follows a public consultation last year, where over 100,000 responses were received. While the consultation also explored the possibility of reducing the prominence of metric units on product packaging, the government decided against introducing any new legislation in this area. The overwhelming majority of respondents expressed a preference for metric units in trade.

Kevin Hollinrake, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, praised the announcement, stating that it would open up new opportunities for British wineries and help to grow the economy. WineGB, the industry body for British vineyards, welcomed the move, with CEO Nicola Bates noting that the change would harmonise bottle sizes for both still and sparkling wines.

This development marks a small but significant shift in the post-Brexit landscape, as the UK seeks to maximise its newfound flexibility in the wine industry.