Beaujolais UK exports rise again

Exports of Beaujolais wines to the UK have risen for the second year running, with the region’s crus leading the way.

Figures from Business France show that between July 2015 and July of this year Beaujolais exports to the UK rose 17.9% in volume and 20.8% by value.

In the same period from 2014 to 2015 exports rose 14.4% in volume and 8.8% in value.

This jump makes Beaujolais one of the biggest French regions for growth in both volume and value so far this year. In volume terms Beaujolais is ahead of Burgundy and Provence as well as ahead of Burgundy and the Loire in exports by value as well.

Particularly successful have been Beaujolais-Villages and the various crus. The former has seen imports rise 15.7% by volume and 10% by value. Imports of cru wines have been even more spectacular, up 53.3% by volume and 46.4% by value.

In a statement InterBeaujolais said it believed the on-going trend for lightness and finesse was proving a boon for the region, as well as the wines’ potential to be readily matched with a variety of foods and a steady increase in the quality and complexity of the wines.

It continued that the crus were also being increasingly recognised as a “serious alternative” to some Burgundies, and had cemented their place in the fine wine category “as wines with great ageing potential.”

Aurélie Vabre, export manager for Beaujolais Wines commented, “The UK market is very exciting for Beaujolais at the moment – exports are steadily rising and the region is increasingly acclaimed by the trade. We attend many consumer events around the country, and are constantly surprised at the positive reaction to our wines.”

Like many other French regions the 2016 vintage has been difficult for Beaujolais. Serious hail and rainstorms hit the region in late spring and early summer but the final crop is estimated to be slightly above the five year average at 7-800,000 hectolitres.

Furthermore, the quality of the crop has been declared as “promising”.