The proportion of consumers buying wine in the last 12 months has increased to 59% of the UK population (from 55% in 2009) according to Wine, a new Market Report Plus from market intelligence provider Key Note. The UK market experienced a small increase in sales during 2011, with the market valued at £11.75bn. This will come as relief to market operators, representing a positive outcome in the face of a difficult economic climate, with rising duties and consumer ‘belt-​tightening’.