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Bordeaux wine sales to UK grow 14% in 2013

Published:  02 April, 2014

Bordeaux wines have grown 14.2% by volume and 18.6% by value in the last year, according to figures collated by market research firm IRI.

Bordeaux wines have grown 14.2% by volume and 18.6% by value in the last year in the UK, according to figures collated by market research firm IRI.

According to data from French customs, Bordeaux has beefed up its UK exports to the tune of 734,000 9 L cases in the last four years, with growth of 18% in 2013. The key drivers of this growth are the more premium appellations including Médoc, St-Emilion and the Côtes wines. 

growth of Bordeaux wines Graph showing growth of Bordeaux winesSource: French CustomsThe graph shows the growth of Bordeaux wines in the UK, by 9L cases, in the last four years, according to French customs data.

IRI figures put the general off-trade wine market as down -2.2% by volume and up 3% by value. On the whole, France fared little better, down -1.9% in volume and +4.2% in value.

Bordeaux outpaced other French regions thanks to the growth of its dry white wines, which rose by 53% in 2013, according to French Customs data.  The UK is now Bordeaux's largest export market for its dry white wines, accounting for 18% of all Bordeaux UK sales.

Douglas Morton, UK consultant to the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux, said: "Dry white Bordeaux provides a strong marketing opportunity. These easy to drink, often Sauvignon Blanc based wines, are a means of attracting younger and more female wine-drinkers to the Bordeaux category."

Bordeaux wines have an average price tag of £6.37 per bottle, 20% higher than the off-trade average, the figures showed.

Morton added: "Bordeaux is firmly positioned in the £6+ segment of the market. This is where we see the market continuing to grow (+59% in 2013) and where we currently sell 42% of our wines. The £6+ sector has the potential to bring more value to the supply chain which benefits the industry in general.

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