NEWS
SINGAPORE: SPARKLING WINE OVERTAKE STILL WINE IN IMPORT VALUE
By Staff Reporter
7-8-2026
Credit: Michelle McEwen/Unsplash
Sparkling wine has surpassed still wine in import value for the second consecutive year in Singapore, signalling a structural shift in the city state’s sophisticated wine market.
Official trade data shows sparkling varieties now account for over 52 percent of total combined wine import value, a crossover first recorded in 2024.
The market shift is not being fuelled by higher shipment volumes. Total import volumes for sparkling wine actually declined in 2025, pointing to strong consumer appetite for high priced bottles, predominantly Champagne from France, rather than greater overall drinking volume.
Average import value per litre for sparkling wine sits far above still wine, reflecting the premium price point positioning of bubbly offerings circulating in Singapore’s trade and hospitality ecosystem.
Singapore’s thriving hospitality sector forms the core driver of the trend. High end hotels, fine dining restaurants and busy bar venues continuously stock sparkling wines for celebrations, corporate events and tourist driven on premise consumption.
As a major regional trade hub, a portion of premium sparkling wine imports are also re‑exported to other Southeast Asian countries, inflating import value statistics beyond pure domestic consumption.
While sparkling wine value surges, still wine faces stagnant value growth. Still wine retains larger import volume, yet struggles to match the high value turnover generated by Champagne and premium sparkling alternatives including Prosecco and other international effervescent styles.
Retail channels report strong off trade movement for gift oriented sparkling labels, alongside steady on premise demand driven by inbound tourism.
Trade analysts note the development underscores Singapore’s role as Asia Pacific’s leading premium wine hub.
Suppliers are readjusting product portfolios, prioritising upscale sparkling selections for local distribution, even as mid priced still wine segments remain competitive for everyday retail drinkers.
Market watchers add that the gap in value terms is expected to persist through the festive year‑end season.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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