July 2018 to June 2019 imports up 9% and 11% by volume, value, to 1.7m cases
NEW YORK—OCTOBER 22, 2019—VIN DE FRANCE wines continue to gain popularity with American wine lovers. From July 2018 through June 2019, total imports of VIN DE FRANCE designated wines grew 9% by volume and 11% by value to total 1.7 million 9-liter cases.1 Sales total $57 million, making the U.S. the 2nd largest export market by value for VIN DE FRANCE wines.
“VIN DE FRANCE wine exports to the U.S. have increased seven-fold by volume during the past six years, and continue to deliver on quality, value and creativity,” said Valérie Pajotin, Director of ANIVIN DE FRANCE, the national trade organization responsible for promoting VIN DE FRANCE wines.
The VIN DE FRANCE “Share the Joy of Life” promotional campaign has introduced many consumers, retailers and gatekeepers to the relatively new category. In 2019, many retail chains are featuring in-store educational tastings including Binny’s, Mariano’s and independent retailers in the Chicago area; HEB, Spec’s, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Cost Plus World Market, and many independent retailers in New York.
In February, 130 wines from a total of 434 submissions were chosen by jurists as 2019 ambassador wines. The wines were selected during the Best Value VIN DE FRANCE Selection Tasting in Paris. One jurist, Julie Nelson, Cost Plus World Markets, U.S, said, “If I had only six words to use to describe VIN DE FRANCE they would be: clear, easy-to-understand, logical, discovery and value.”
VIN DE FRANCE is a national classification created following changes in the European regulations. Representing a new generation of French wines, VIN DE FRANCE wines can be either a single varietal wine or a blend, and producers are permitted to blend grapes or wines from different regions of France. The grape variety and vintage can be shown on the label. While strict quality requirements are in place, wine producers have the flexibility to use modern winemaking techniques. With rules concerning yields or winemaking practices lifted, producers can be as creative in their production methods as they wish.
This is why well-known French producers such as Saget La Perrière, Maison Albert Bichot, Gérard Bertrand or Boisset – La Famille des Grands Vins have embraced the category. Today this dynamic category of wines account for 16% of all still wine exports from France and are some of the best-selling French wines in the U.S.
Connect with VIN DE FRANCE wines on Facebook and Instagram at @VinDeFranceWinesUSA #vindefrancewines.
