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UK remains largest export market for Côtes du Rhône wine

Published:  14 April, 2015

Côtes du Rhône figures for 2014 confirmed the UK remained the Rhône Valley's largest export market, accounting for 18% of its exports. 

The 2014 figures were shared at last week's annual Côtes du Rhône trade tasting.

Olivier Legrand, marketing director at Côtes du Rhône Wines, said: "Although 2014 was a challenging year for wine exports, the UK demand prevailed, with consumers demonstrating a clear taste for Rhône wines."

The off-trade has been a major success story for the wine region, according to figures wines hailing from the Côtes du Rhône hold 30% market share in the UK, according IRI research.

Legrand attributes some of the success in the off-trade for Rhone Valley wines to targeting the trade as well launching new campaigns. He said: "This success can be attributed to Côtes du Rhône Wines' endeavours over recent years to create communications campaigns, targeted at professionals and wine lovers in the UK."

Education of the on-trade will be a focus for the trade body in 2015, Legrand said. "This year, our strategy is to continue to support our wines' positive image in the market through engaging activities, off-trade promotions and an educational focus for the on-trade," she said.

The appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is the second largest wine area in France and has seen value increase by 27% in value over the last decade. Last year alone the region exported €73.5m worth of wine.

As part of a more to take a more trade focus approach and engage with the London drinks trade, last month Côte du Rhône sponsored Skin Côntact's Wine Relief concert, which was part of the wine trade's initiative for Comic Relief. It helped raise £10,000 for good causes.

Video:

The stars shined brightly at inaugural Skin Côntact benefit concert

The evening included the band members Richard Hemming on keyboards, Alex Hunt MW, Berkmann Wines on lead guitar, Ben Smith of Concha y Toro on bass, Matt James founder of The Bordeaux Cellar, on drums and Anne McHale MW of Berry Bros & Rudd and PR star, Helen Chesshire on backing vocals.

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