There are three newcomers on this year’s list of top ten searches from the Wine Industry Network’s annual search report. The report provides a view into what products and services wineries most often go online to search for.
New on this year’s top ten list are Barrel Alternatives in sixth place, eCommerce in 8th, and Corks in ninth. While search for Barrels remains strong holding its second overall position from last year, the emergence of Barrel Alternatives on the list suggests that more wineries are beginning to look for new ways to impart oak flavors in their wines without paying a premium for new oak barrels.
eCommerce should come as no surprise on the list. With the continued growth of direct to consumer wine sales, wineries need to either add or upgrade their online selling portal to satisfy the increased demand for mobile friendly design.
Top 10 Wine Industry Network Searches in 2014
- Bottles
- Barrels
- Winery Equipment
- Labels
- Packaging
- Barrel Alternatives
- Tanks
- eCommerce
- Corks
- Filtration
In 2014 the Wine Industry Network also saw a 19% increase in search volume over 2013.
“Word of mouth, trade shows, and references from your neighbor will always be an important part of any buying decision in the wine industry,” says George Christie, president of Wine Industry Network, “but now, people expect to be able to find information about the products and services they need online. Today’s wine business professional knows that it’s not enough to just do what your neighbor does or even do what you’ve always done. If you want to succeed, you have to know what options are available so you can make better buying decisions, and for that, the internet is the world’s tool of choice.”
“Online research won’t completely erode the old way of finding what you need, but it does open the door for new suppliers with innovative products to present themselves at a price they can afford. For established suppliers, having an online presence is a no brainer, they have to be there and they usually are.”
The Wine Industry Network expects to see the increased search volume trend redouble in 2015, and is enhancing their wine industry search options in response to the demand.
“We’re now offering the network suppliers the opportunity to list the products and services they supply to the wine industry on the site, and wine business professions can come search the growing inventory,” says Christie, “it means more information, more options, and more innovation, it’s a win-win for buyers and suppliers, and the industry as a whole.”
