Packaging innovation is set to transform the look and sustainability credentials of the wine aisle.

Exhibitors and buyers at this week’s London International Wine Fair predicted a sharp increase this year in the number of wines in cans, pouches and even Tetra-Pak cartons and paper bottles on shelf.

Among the new formats on display at the fair was an easy-pour 1.5 litre wine pouch developed for Asda by Smurfit Kappa. The retailer is launching four own-label pouches - a US white zinfandel rosé, Australian shiraz, Italian Garganega pinot grigio and Australian chardonnay - next week at £9 each.

The format was perfect for outdoor gatherings and offered a lighter alternative to glass or the larger bag-in-box, said Asda BWS buyer Nick Brown. Pouches had an 80% lower carbon footprint than glass packaging, added Smurfit.

Marks & Spencer already stocks 10 wine pouches and Asda carries pouched cocktails, but the format was less established in the UK than other countries, said Smurfit, which is in talks with other retailers regarding launches.

Another format set to grow this year is canned wine, according to German-based metal beverage company Ball Packaging, which has tipped the market to increase by 10%-15% in Europe over the next year to 200 million litres as wine brands seek a younger audience.

Cartons are also expected to take off following the announcement at the fair that Tetra Pak and Greencroft Bottling Company have joined forces to pack wine cartons in the UK for the first time.

Paper wine bottles are on the horizon too. The Grocer understands producer GreenBottle - which supplies a paper milk bottle to Asda - is close to securing a deal that would see wine in paper bottles hit UK supermarkets this year.

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