Sparkling wine and light reds drive Loire Valley exports to UK

Sparkling wines and lighter reds are driving exports from the Loire Valley to the UK, according to the industry body InterLoire which has reported “very healthy” shipments.   

Sales to the UK were up by 9.8% in volume and 9.2% in value to hit 46,800 Euros last year, while total global sihpments  of 527,000 hectolitres were made in 2019, of which 93,000 hectolitres was earmarked for the UK.  

Sparkling wine sales from the region, including Crémant de Loire and Saumur sparkling, jumped by 40% in volume and 37% in value in 2019, demonstrating that Loire Valley’s sparkling wines continue to grow in popularity in the UK as an alternative to some of the better known sparkling wine varieties.  

At the same time, the Loire’s red wine AOP category including wines from the Touraine, Anjou Rouge, Saumur and Saumu Shampigny appellations which produce crisp, light reds, also enjoyed a surge in sales, up by nearly a quarter (23%) in volume and a 15% increase in value in the UK.  

Pierre-Jean Sauvion, President of the Communication Commission at Loire Valley Wines, said: “We are thrilled to see our wines growing in popularity in the UK. The UK remains a key export market for Loire Valley Wines and we continue to work to provide a range of quality wines which fit the tastes of UK consumers. This is demonstrated by the increase in popularity of our wines last year particularly with wines such as our Crémant de Loire and Touraine wines.”