FRENCH WINE MAKES AN ASTOUNDING COMEBACK

The old world is making a comeback after years of new world success, with France benefiting the most. Already, Italy was named as the United State’s top importer, with France coming in at number three and Australia sandwiched between.

Last year’s surge in French global wine and spirits sales indicated a recovery of post 9/11 anti-French sentiment, while marking a loss of market share for Australia.

French wine and spirit exports to America, struggling in recent years due to New World competition and anti-French sentiment, rose 22% in 2006 according to the Federation des Exportateurs de vins et spiritueux de France (FEVS).

The United States was the top importer for France, taking 2.4 billion euro of French wine and spirits, a 22.2% increase on 2005.

So while France was gaining back share, Australia fell back (if only a little bit). The 2006 figures show France creeping up to 14%, and Australia falling to 29%.

Driving the wine exports to the U.S. in 2006 was Bordeaux, which showed a 50% increase due to sales of the 2003 vintage.

Spirits exports to the U.S., France’s number one market, were just over one billion euro, up 26%, with Cognac accounting for half.