Rhne still out in front

Published: 23 July, 2008

Ctes du Rhne is still the top-selling French AOC in the UK, according to latest statistics.

AC Nielsen data between April 2006 and April this year showed that sales increased by 11.7% by volume and 10.79% by value.

Further data from French Customs was in line with the Nielsen data, with an 11% increase in volume for Ctes du Rhne wines in the 12-month period between February this year and last.

Two of the top four French brands in the UK are from the Rhne: French Connection, distributed by Bottle Green; and La Chasse du Pape, distributed by Guy Anderson.

The figures for France as a whole show that sales have increased 4.58% by value and 1.4% by volume.

A spokeswoman for Sopexa, which looks after PR for Ctes du Rhne in the UK, said that the reason for the region's growth was its three-tiered marketing campaign, consisting of a trade PR and advertising programme, including the Think Red, Think Ctes du Rhne campaign; a consumer PR and ad campaign, including radio sponsorship; and an annual off-trade promotional programme.

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