GLASS manufacturer Croxsons has announced it has developed the country’s first British-made sparkling wine bottle.
The Sovereign bottle has been designed to support the wine-making industry by closing the provenance loop from vineyard to bottle. Croxsons said winemakers have until now relied entirely on imported bottles transported across Europe.
The Sovereign bottle will be produced in England and rather than the traditional green colour of European sparkling wine bottles, the British bottle will be made using a distinctive amber glass. This is intended to give the bottle a strong shelf standout and clear British provenance.
The bottle uses 77% recycled content and with a shorter journey from factory to vineyard, it will reduce road-miles for bottles traditionally transported from France, Germany and Italy.
Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons, said, “We are incredibly proud to launch Sovereign, the UK’s first British‑made sparkling wine bottle, delivering improved sustainability while ensuring British drinkers enjoy wine that is British through and through.
“Six generations of our family have been involved in the wine trade, beginning as a bottle supplier to the London wine trade 150 years ago, so it feels particularly fitting that we are now helping the English and Welsh winemaking industry deliver a truly British sparkling wine bottle.”
This launch builds on Croxsons’ wine expertise working alongside English wine brands including Lyme Bay and Ridgeview Wines.
Matt Gayler, operations director at Ridgeview Wine, commented, “Seeing a UK-made sparkling wine bottle available to producers is a great milestone – it shows just how far the industry has come. As we continue to build the reputation of English wine both at home and internationally, having domestically manufactured, high-quality packaging supports our identity, sustainability and ambitions. It’s a positive step forward and we’re grateful to those who’ve worked hard to make it happen.”
The Sovereign bottle will be produced in March 2025 and can be ordered direct from Croxsons.
