Loire wine exports to the UK sees further growth

By Arabella Mileham

Published: 05 March, 2015

Exports of Loire wines to the UK grew 7% by volume and value according the latest figures from French customs.

Volume and value exports of white and red Loire wines rose 7%, compared to 2013, with white wines up 5% to €32,407k. White wine export to UK accounted for 81% of the total UK exports, or 67,661hl. This was driven by "strong" growth in Muscadet, up 23% volume and 26% in value, InterLoire said. Red and rosé also grew +4% in volume with value jumping +9% to £3,938k.

There was also significant growth in sparkling wines, albeit of a small base, rising 62% in volume and 53% by value, with Crémant de Loire up 107% in volume, and seeing value growth of 80%.

Vouvray also saw strong exports, up 46% and 63% in value, while Saumur also saw increase of 28% and 27% respectively.

Loire Valley's 2014 harvest was a long growing season with lower yields, but good quality due to the September sun.

The UK is the Loire's largest export market by volume, up +19% in 2014 to 83,012hl and its second largest by value (+17%), after the USA, according to InterLoire's head of export Mathias Chini- Germain. "These positive figures are encouraging and underline our commitment to support exports of Loire Valley wines to the UK," she said.

Demand has been driven by increasing consumer demand for wines that are lighter in style and fruit forward, InterLoire said. Muscadet has risen in popularity, and there is also increasing interest in Chenin Blanc.

Growth is expected to continue in 2015, helped by the current favourable exchange rates.

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