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France Summit video: what French producers and generics think of the UK market

Published:  20 November, 2014

Being able to highlight the steps they are taking to promote French wine in the UK as well as understand more the challenges of the British market were some of the key reasons producers and French generic and promotional bodies attended last month's Harpers France Summit.

Video:

France Summit video: what French producers and generics think of UK market

Isabelle Kanaan, executive director of Sud de France, said the summit provided an opportunity to not only hear about and assess the challenges that face French wine in the UK but to listen to the "expectations of UK buyers" towards French wine and to take part in the debates.

Master Sommelier Gerard Basset, said the day provided an opportunity to benchmark France against its competition in the UK as well as highlight what positive steps it is taking in its winemaking.

Tim North, UK manager of Les Grands Chais de France, said it was a good opportunity for the UK French wine trade as a whole to come together and get on top of the some of the key trading issues.

Eleanor Holland, representing Cotes de Rhone Cru Wines, said the day was more of a "relaxed" and "fun" way to network and discuss issues with key UK players.

Benoit Roumet of the Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins de Centre said it was a good opportunity to have more detailed conversations with buyers about its key appellations.

Anne Burchett, Sopexa UK opening debate of the France Summit 2014

Yann Bourigault of Plaimont Producteurs, said he was particularly interested to hear the wide variety of views in the main industry debate on how to make the French wine category better in the UK.

Nelly Blau, Bureau Interprofessionel des Vins de Bourgogne, said it was a great showcase to highlight its wines to key UK players.

Julien Vignault, Conseil des Vins du Medoc, was pleased to be able to get a better understanding of the needs of the UK trade through the open trade debates.

Mathias Chini-Germain of InterLoire said he hoped the UK trade would go home confident in the knowledge that this is still a very important market for French wine industry.

* What do key UK buyers think of the French wine market? Watch our video here: