Aluminium wine closures are gaining more fans in Europe. This is the result of a survey commissioned by the Aluminium Closures Group. Younger consumers in particular prefer screwing rather than looking for a corkscrew.
The global market research company Censuswide conducted a survey of 5,000 consumers to find out the Consumer preferences for wine closures to determine. The survey confirms that aluminium closures are often preferred over other options.
Survey in the traditional wine countries
The survey took place in five major European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) Both surveys were commissioned by the Aluminium Closures Group. It is the global organisation of aluminium closure manufacturers and their aluminium suppliers within the AMS Europe e.V. association.
In the selected countries, there is no clear advantage for aluminium (39%) over cork (37%) - with the same wine and the same price. However, a six-year comparison shows that the Increased preference for aluminium wine closures while it declined for cork (2014: aluminium closure 34%, cork closure 41%). This suggests that closures continue to be no significant influence on the perception of quality have.
Environmentally friendly aluminium cap?
However, some preferences have shifted significantly over the years when looking at younger age groups. In the 18-34 age group, there is currently a clear preference for aluminium fasteners (41.4% vs. 34.8%). Particularly in the most important traditional wine producing countries the popularity of aluminium closures has increased. In France and Italy, the preference for cork has actually fallen sharply, while in the UK the popularity of aluminium closures has declined slightly.
The Environmentally friendly image of the aluminium closure is still not fully recognised by consumers, however: Only 28.4 per cent of all respondents in the countries surveyed rated it as sustainable or environmentally friendly. In contrast, 34.3 per cent considered cork to be the most environmentally friendly solution.
Aluminium wine stopper becomes more popular
However, 40.5 percent of consumers surveyed in all five countries believe that aluminium closures will prevail in the long term. Only 28.9 per cent of all respondents believe this to be the case for corks.
[infotext icon]The Aluminium Closures Group consists of the leading manufacturers of aluminium closures and their suppliers of aluminium coils and sheets. They represent approximately 75% of global aluminium closure production, which is mainly used in the wine, spirits, water, oil and vinegar markets. The Group's core themes are market research, sustainability and recycling as well as the promotion of aluminium closures[/infotext].„These are remarkably good results that confirm the growing popularity of aluminium closures in these very important wine markets. We have made progress in almost all areas analysed. Particularly noteworthy is the stable upward trend in acceptance in more traditional wine countries. Both the short and long-term prospects for aluminium closures are very encouraging. If the environmentally friendly aspects are fully recognised, there are even greater opportunities ahead.“ Anja Holthoff-Schlegel, Head of Statistics & Market Analysis and Coordinator of the Aluminium Closure Group
Source: Aluminium Closures Group
