Beaujolais continues UK success

Beaujolais wines continue to see growth in the UK with export volume and value up 22% and 17% respectively in 2019 – the most among any French wine regions.

The growth was constant throughout the year and Beaujolais was the only French AOC out of four global regions that were predicted to see the greatest growth despite Brexit in Sopexa’s most recent annual Wine Trade Monitor.

Rebecca Fraser, head of marketing at Louis Latour Agencies which represents Henry Fessy, said that Beaujolais’s success was continuing apace because: “The wines are approachable, fresh, and fruit driven, perfect for regular drinking but also come with a great story; they always strike a chord with consumers when we sample them. They also offer great value, whether it be the wine drinker who wants a simple fruity Beaujolais or someone interested in exploring the characteristics of the different Cru appellations.”

Cécile Bossan-Redon, managing director at Inter Beaujolais, said: “We are proud to have such a healthy increase in exports to the UK. There is now more choice of Beaujolais wines available on UK shelves than ever before, which we believe is a huge contributing factor to its continued popularity.

“Despite the uncertainties raised around Brexit, we have remained committed to the UK market and it’s been important for us to continue to demonstrate the dynamic range and choice Beaujolais wines have to offer, which we believe the increase in export figures represent.”

Inter Beaujolais is hoping that it will be able to go ahead with its annual trade tasting in London on Tuesday 23 June.

Bossan-Redon said: “We endeavour to maintain our UK tasting in London late June and look forward to connecting with the UK wine trade once more to keep the Beaujolais flowing in Britain!”