Franciacorta exports hit double figures

After a year of “intense activity”, Franciacorta has seen its export figures rise just over 14% on 2012.

There was continued growth in the domestic market too, particularly in the south although the north retained its lead for sales, while in export markets bottles sold amounted to 1.3 million out of total sales of 14m.

The UK in particular made great strides (from a small base) with volume sales growing 27.7% with brut sales dominating.

It is hoped that the opening of a UK-dedicated office along with various promotional and market development programmes in 2014 will help this growth continue.

Consorzio president, Maurizio Zanella, said: “2013 was a year of intense activity for us since we were simultaneously involved in initiatives on many different fronts, particularly abroad, in spreading an appreciation of Franciacorta.

“These results are certainly a fitting crown to our work and inspire us to continue in the direction we have set for ourselves.”

He continued: “This growth in volume in is line with our projections. Taking into account the difficult economic times Italy is experiencing, we were able to hold the average bottle price in line with that in 2012.

“In 2014, we know that we still have a good ways to go in establishing positive positions abroad, particularly in markets that are following us with solid interest, such a the USA, Japan, and Switzerland.”