I have today placed a copy of the Government hospitality wine cellar biannual report for the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20 in the Libraries of both Houses.
Following the outcome of the review of the Government hospitality wine cellar in 2011, this biannual report continues our commitment to reporting to Parliament on the use of the wine cellar, covering consumption, stock purchases, costs, and value for money. The wine cellar has been self-funding since 2011-12, through the sale of some high-value stock and payments made by other Government Departments for events organised by Government hospitality.
The report notes that in 2018-19:
The highest consumption level by volume was again of English and Welsh wine, at 53% of the total (cf. 57% in 17-18);
Purchases amounted to £46,906 (ex-VAT), a decrease of nearly 18% by value cf. £56,976 in 17-18;
The highest volume of purchases was of English and Welsh wines at 49% of the total;
Consumption by volume increased by some 2.8% in FY 2018-19;
Sales of stock amounted to £44,200 (cf. £50,600 in FY 17-18);
Further funds from other Government Departments added £16,985 to the overall receipts (cf. £26,494 in 17-18).
The report notes that in 2019-20:
The highest consumption level by volume was again of English wines, at 56% of the total;
Consumption by volume fell overall by 17.5% in FY 2019-20;
The highest volume of purchases was of English or Welsh wines at 73% of the total;
No sales were achieved due to the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, but funds recovered from other Government Departments added £23,220 to the overall receipts;
Purchases amounted to £73,091, due to major purchases of English still and sparkling wines.
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