Port sales soar as drinkers fortify themselves in lockdown Symington Family Estates sold more than 11 bottles of Cockburn’s every minute during the final three months of 2020 11 February 2021 • 12:31pm One of the world’s biggest producers of port has notched up soaring sales as British drinkers stock their drinks cabinets with fortified wine during the pandemic. Symington Family Estates, which owns brands including Cockburn’s and Graham’s, said demand for its ranges were fuelled by sales at supermarkets and other shops while pubs and restaurants were closed for much of the year. Retail sales of Cockburn’s shot up by just over a fifth, Symington said, with 11.6 bottles sold every minute during the Christmas quarter year as households stocked up for the festive season.