Vinho Verde UK exports surge

Vinho Verde has continued its upward trend in the UK with exports rising by 13% in 2o13, according to recent figures.

The UK is now the eighth most important market for Vinho Verde in terms of volume, which rose from 667,731 litres in 2012 to 751,001 litres in 2013 – up 13%.

Over the last five years export volumes of the Portuguese wine has increased by 35%.

In terms of value, the UK is now ranked as the ninth most important market with total sales rising from €1,235,559 in 2012 to €1,556,754 in 2013.

Manuel Pinheiro, executive president of The Comissao de Viticultura da Regiao dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV) said: “We had predicted that 2013 would be a very good year for exports of our wines, and this has proved to be the case.

“The latest figures show that globally exports of our wines have grown by 63% in volume and 91% in value over the last 10 years which is a very significant increase and accounts for around 36% of our total business in 2013 which are the highest figures ever for the region.”

He added: “The growth in the figures for the UK reflects the impact that our three year promotional campaign has had, and the larger jump in value shows that our quality message is getting through and people are starting to trade up and experiment with the more expensive and diverse range of wines that are now being made in Vinho Verde.”

International exports have been driven largely by a new wave of drier, varietally-labelled Vinho Verde, but, as reported by the drinks business, concerns have been raised that the region might be abandoning its traditional approach too quickly.