Private label wine is turning into big business for grocery

Private label wine sales appear to be taking off and holding a high altitude.

Sales in the U.S. increased 9.1% year-over-year to $52.2 million during the 52 weeks ending June 18, according to data from Circana. 

Store brand dollar sales in the U.S. climbed steadily throughout 2022, according to a new report by the Private Label Manufacturers Association. PLMA also reported that store brand sales advanced by 11.3%, nearly twice the growth of national brands, for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 1, 2023. 

In 2022, dollar sales for beverages were up 19.1%, and liquor sales were up 15.6%, according to the report.

Grocers are already moving on the private label wine trend. Albertsons just launched a new direct-to-consumer brand of wines, some of which cost over $1,000 per bottle.

Circle K also introduced its first wine line in 3,000 of its U.S. stores. The selection of wines includes the retailer's Sunshine Bliss lineup (under $8) and a premium lineup of six Fine Wines (from $10 to $25). 

And Gelson’s Markets in Southern California also recently added four wines to its store brand Napa Valley collection: 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon; 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, Carneros; 2020 Reserve Merlot, Coombsville; and 2020 Epicure Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville.