A food and drink renaissance in the UK fuelled a 48% increase in the number of wine producers across the country last year.

Chartered accountancy UHY Hacker Young says 80% more wine producers registered with HMRC in the 2013/14 financial year than four years ago when there were just 26 applications.

There are currently 135 businesses creating wine in the UK, it said. Hacker Young said demand had increased in-line with growing interest in local sourcing and niche food and drink products.

Roy Maugham, head of tax, said: “English wines have enjoyed a genuine renaissance over the last couple of years and are now being taken seriously on the international stage.

“Consumer demand is increasing as the public is beginning to recognise that these wines have become well-regarded premium products.”

The craft beer industry has also enjoyed stellar growth in recent years, with Hacker Young identifying a 188% increase in the number of brewers in the last five years.

Meanwhile, boutique distilleries producing spirits have leapt 186% in a year.