Beer remains the largest drinks market, but wine has overtaken spirits and liqueurs.
However, during the 1990s, imports were broadened out, with the New World wineries in Australia and California mainly responsible for the increase in choice, and the threat to the Old World. Eastern Europe, New Zealand, South Africa and even South American countries have also contributed. Major retailers source their own wines, so that importing is fragmented across many distributors, reflecting the fragmentation of wine-making in Europe. Champagne and premium wines have obviously benefited from the Millennium celebrations, but growth is generally reaching a more steady level, with some signs of saturation appearing in the wines market. Higher quality wines have the best prospects, and competition between countries of origin will continue to drive the market early in the 21st century.