UK sales of Franciacorta wines soar

Sales of Franciacorta wines in the UK rose by 172.5% in volume throughout 2014, compared with 2013, according to figures released by the Osservatorio Economico del Franciacorta.

The increase in sales, although from a “moderately small” base, was attributed to the communication and market development program employed by the producer throughout 2014, which is said has helped raise awareness of the brand.

The UK now accounts for 7.5% of total exports having increased by 140% since 2013. All international markets for Franciacorta also enjoyed solid growth during the same period with overall global sales increasing by 11%.

Maurizio Zanella, president of Franciacorta said: “We are very proud of the results achieved in the UK across 2014. We hope we can maintain this momentum and steadily continue to build the presence of Franciacorta within the UK and achieve equally impressive results year on year.”

Last year Franciacorta announced it was stepping up its export ambitions with the aim of increasing its sales by four million bottles.

Franciacorta is Italy’s first wine to be made using the traditional method of secondary bottle fermentation, as used in Champagne. Located in the heart of Lombardy, Franciacorta achieved DOCG status in 1995.