Wine is significantly cheaper in France than in the US or UK primarily due to the absence of the "three-tier" distribution system. In most countries, wine must pass from the producer to an importer, then a wholesaler, and finally a retailer, with each middleman taking a 25–50% cut. In France, winemakers can sell directly to supermarkets, local shops (cavistes), or even to consumers at the vineyard gate. Furthermore, France has much lower alcohol excise taxes on wine compared to the UK, where tax can account for over half the price of a budget bottle. Culturally, wine is viewed as a daily staple rather than a luxury item; the high volume of local production and consumption means that decent, drinkable table wine is available for as little as €3 to €5, a price point that is virtually impossible to find elsewhere after factoring in high import duties, transport costs, and retail markups.