Kent vineyard Gusbourne hails strong international and direct-to-consumer sales

Gusbourne, a Kent-based English sparkling wine producer, has achieved ‘robust growth’ for the six months ended 30 June 2024 despite a slight dip in revenues.

Net revenue for the business was down three per cent on the same period last year, though international sales rose 13 per cent to £0.84 million and direct-to-consumer sales by 14 per cent to £0.74 million.

The latter has been driven by membership and website sales, as well as direct sales from its tour and experience programme in Kent.

Gusbourne now distributes to 37 international markets and has strengthened relationships with the global travel retail sector.

The 2024 harvest is due to begin later this month and is expected to be of lower yield but high quality following a record 2023 vintage.

Jonathan White, CEO of Gusbourne, said: “I’m pleased to be able to report further strategic progress in the first half of 2024 despite a challenging market backdrop that has resulted in more difficult trading conditions in some areas of our business.

“Important highlights include the group’s strong performance in our direct-to-consumer channel which reflects the success of our award-winning cellar door operations and the significant progress we’re making to grow the brand’s digital presence.

“Looking forward to the second half of the year, the macroeconomic environment remains complex with consumer confidence affected by inflationary pressures and cost of borrowing in many markets.

“At the same time, consumer interest in Gusbourne wine and English wine generally continues to grow across the globe and this combined with the ongoing progress we continue to make against our strategic priorities continues to give the board confidence in the group’s long-term prospects.”