The bag-in-box packaging for wine has several advantages compared to bottles. About two years ago, approximately 15% of wine producers in Europe marketed their products in bag-in-box format. Today, this figure is increasing.
Although the bag-in-box packaging format does not allow the grape to continue its ripening process, it offers an identical taste experience to bottled wines and is considered ideal for immediate consumption.
Bag-in-box wine vs. glass bottle or PET bottle wine
Here are some relevant statistics that support the advantages of bag-in-box:
- Lower production and distribution costs. A study by Wine Business Monthly reveals that the production cost of a glass bottle wine is $2.50 to $3.00 compared to $0.75 to $1.00 for BiB. In addition, due to its lightweight and compact design, the distribution cost is significantly lower.
- Longer lifespan. According to Wine Intelligence, the shelf life of a bag-in-box wine is up to 6 weeks after opening, compared to the couple of days recommended for an open bottle.
- Lower environmental impact. According to a study by the Australian Wine Association, bag-in-box produces 55% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than glass bottles.
- Export advantages. In some markets, such as Sweden, a tax is applied depending on the weight of the packaging. This measure, which came into effect in 2017, benefits BiB, especially disadvantaging 750ml glass bottles that weigh more than 420 grams.
According to Interpack data, bag-in-box wines benefit manufacturers and online sales sites due to low logistics costs, ease of transport, packaging costs for 20 liters of wine, which are 1.70 euros instead of about 6.40 euros, and the large printing area for marketing purposes.
Bulk buyers also benefit due to the ideal stacking capacity and low purchase and transportation costs, as well as the capacity of up to 1,000 liters, also applicable to oil, milk, and juices.
End consumers benefit from the practicality of boxed wine, hygienic and convenient access to content, savings of up to 40% compared to bottled wines, protection of wine from light and oxygen, and the ability to stay fresh longer after being opened.
Finally, the environment benefits from bag-in-box wines due to low fuel consumption during transportation, which translates into twenty times less CO₂ emissions compared to conventional glass bottles.
Sales statistics for bag-in-box wine in Europe
In Europe, sales of bag-in-box wine have increased significantly in recent years. Especially in countries like the UK, France, Spain, and Sweden, where they represent a considerable portion of the wine market. In some cases, more than a third of consumers opt for this packaging format. According to the Swedish Wine Producers Federation, bag-in-box wine is the most popular way to buy wine in the country, with sales representing 29% of the total volume of wine sold. Here are some statistics that confirm this:
- According to an FMI report, the global bag-in-box market reached $3.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.7% until 2031, reaching $6.6 billion.
- According to a study by Grand View Research, the global bag-in-box wine market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.1% from 2021 to 2028.
- A recent study by Wine Intelligence reveals that the bag-in-box format is especially popular among younger consumers and those looking for a more accessible and sustainable option.
- According to a Wine Intelligence study, 35% of wine consumers in the UK believe that wine in bag-in-box is a more sustainable way to purchase wine.
Also outside of Europe, it’s an option that is gaining strength. In the United States, the wine market in bag-in-box has expanded in recent years, with sales representing 10% of the total wine market, according to NielsenIQ. If we look at what’s happening in Australia, we’ll see that sales of wine in bag-in-box have also increased in popularity in recent years, with a 30% increase in sales of 4-liter BiBs, according to Wine Australia.
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