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UK Wine Shortages – what’s behind them?
Britain may be heading into a summer of clinking glasses and empty shelves, as over 200 workers at the Encirc bottling plant in Avonmouth launched strike action on June 19. The plant, a key supplier for major UK supermarkets, is now at the heart of a dispute that could spell UK wine shortages across the country.
The strike includes a rolling walkout and a 12-week overtime ban, designed to maximise disruption. Unite the Union says the dispute centres around a proposed 3.2% pay rise tied to inflation, which it claims undermines collective bargaining.
What Happens If the Strike Drags On?
If the dispute continues into late July or beyond, UK wine shortages could move from minor nuisance to serious supply crisis. Smaller retailers and independent wine merchants may struggle most, while supermarkets could introduce temporary limits. Consumers will likely see price rises or substitutions. And if bottling delays stack up, it could take months to restock favourite labels.
Why This Bottling Plant Matters
Encirc processes millions of bottles a year and serves supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl. A disruption here means many favourite red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines could be at risk.
With summer demand surging, insiders warn that the strike could trigger visible shortages in a matter of weeks.
Which Supermarkets Could Be Hit First?
Tesco and Aldi may be first to feel the squeeze due to tighter stock rotation models. Wines from southern Europe and Australia, bottled in the UK, are likely to be most affected.
What’s the Dispute About?
Unite claims Encirc’s inflation-linked pay offer could lead to below-inflation raises over time. The union argues the move dodges proper negotiation and risks becoming a precedent.
“Unite said that its workforce will not stand by while their collective bargaining rights are undermined, and that strike action will continue until a fair deal is offered.”
Should You Panic Buy Wine?
We won’t tell you to panic—but if there’s a particular bottle you love? Now’s the time to get it.
Disruptions like these usually lead to supply gaps, price bumps, and awkward substitutes on the shelves.
Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Prosecco are especially at risk during the warm-weather rush.
Why This Story Matters
The wine shortage is a microcosm of the UK’s broader supply chain fragility, from labour unrest to over-centralised production systems.
It also lands amid a season of growing industrial action, with rail, health, and logistics unions ramping up demands. One less bottle of Shiraz might not seem like much—until you realise how close we skate to the edge of disruption in modern Britain.
As the strike continues, industry insiders are warning that the full impact of the UK wine shortages may not be felt until late July. Delays in bottling, shipping, and restocking could create a domino effect across the UK wine supply chain well into the summer.
Internal Links
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External Links
- Wine shortage fears as strike starts today at major bottle factory – Yahoo News
- Supermarket wine shortage looms as Encirc glass workers in Bristol – Unite the Union
- FSA Food System Strategic Assessment 2023 – GOV.UK
- Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain – GOV.UK
🗣️ Reader Comments
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