Consumers Open to Alternative Wine Packaging

Posted on September 26, 2007 | Permalink

By Lane Casteix

The consuming of wine has been generally very tradition-bound and often almost ceremonial. With that history in mine it is just a little surprising that some of the most innovative and creative beverage/alcohol package designs are seen on wine bottles. (Spirits packaging, however, has been catching up lately.)

Times are changing. Not only is wine packaging becoming less tradition-bound in its labeling, but how the bottle is "closed" is also changing. Today consumers are more accepting of closures other than traditional, natural cork, even including screw caps. Now it seems consumers may be about to drive even more change, as research suggests they are becoming more receptive to wine containers other than the traditional glass bottle.

Wine packaging (and marketing) is fast becoming consumer driven. The wine industry is in a state of change and has been for a while. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

Side Note: Various studies have suggested that the moderate consuming of wine can have potential health benefits. My refrigerator now contains two bag-in-box wines, one white and one red. (I know, reds shouldn't be served cold - get over it!) My wife and I have a 4-5 ounce serving of wine with our evening meal every night now. This is a lot more convenient than opening a bottle every few days. It is also less expensive. The selection of wines available in bag-in-box form, however, is currently very limited. Hopefully, that is changing.