According to the CIVC (Champagne Wine Board), 323M bottles of Champagne were exported in 2011 and Champagne sales increased by 7% to €4.4 billion during this year.   Ghislain Montgolfier (vice president of the CIVC and president of the “Union des maisons de Champagne”) believes Champagne makes a new start after the crisis. The good health of emerging markets such as Asia, Russia or Australia (+32%, 4,9M bottles) enables to be confident for the future.   However, 80% of all sales of Champagne are still made in Europe. Despite a decrease of 3,4M bottles, France is still the first market for Champagne with 181M bottles sold. Sales to the European market (without France) increased by 2% in 2011 despite a sharp decrease to Irish exports (-21%). However, at the same time, exports of sparkling wine from France to the Emerald Isle increased by 46% in volume.         Emergent countries represent the future for Champagne. However, “small” winemakers from this region have difficulties to export in these new markets compared to the “Grandes maisons de Champagne” and are still highly reliable on the health of European markets   Source : Les marchés lointains tirent la croissance du champagne , Les Echos, 05/03/2012

Pernod Ricard’s turnover increased by 11% between 2010 and 2011 to €8 billion. On the second half of 2011 and thanks to the developing markets (+18%) and its “top 14” brands (+14%), the French company makes its best half year since 2008 and improves its financial status. The Chief executive, Pierre Pringuet, is confident and does not predict a decrease for the future, except for the European market (crisis and new French excise duty). The Irish whiskey, Jameson, is one of Pernod Ricard’s “Top 14” brands. In 1988, Pernod Ricard took over the Jameson brand by buying Irish Distillers. In 2011, Jameson’s turnover increased by 25% and contributes to the French group’s good health. It was the fourth best performing drink brand in Pernod Ricard’s portfolio.   Source: les Échos , 17/02/2012

On Thursday 19th January 2012, the French Trade Commission – Ubifrance in Ireland had the pleasure to welcome 17 French wine companies looking for representation in Ireland. The event took place at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin where the Irish trade had the privilege to discover and taste more than 200 wines. The success of this 5th edition of the French Wine Trade Meeting, confirmed the good health of the Irish wine industry. The French companies were highly satisfied with the quality of the attendance. The results of these meetings are already showing up as 8 companies are in advanced discussions with Irish importers and 3 others closed a deal. The event enjoyed good press coverage as well. The France Info correspondent in Ireland directed a report that was broadcasted on the French radio the same day. After five successful editions of the French Wine Trade Meeting in Ireland, we can proudly say that this is the must-attend event when it comes to French wine in Ireland. Please download the brochure of the event below.   Photos courtesy of Wines Made Easy: www.winesmadeeasy.ie

Despite bad conditions in the Irish drink market, Britvic’s turnover for the year to October 2011 increased by 14.6% from €1.30 billion to €1.50 billion. Britvic’s new French wing, which was acquired in May 2010, proved particularly successful and almost tripled its sales to €285 million. Excluding the French market, Britvic’s revenues increased by 0.8% in the 12 months to October. The launch of new products on several markets also contributed to this significant growth, for example the Mountain Dew Energy and Juicy Drench lines, which performed ahead of expectations. Britvic is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of soft drinks in the UK and Ireland. The company owns brands such as Robinsons, Tango, J2O, Ballygowan and Club, and employs more than 3000 people.   Source: The Irish Times, November 2011

Meet with French winemakers in Dublin On the 25th of August , 9 French representatives of more than 20 winemakers will be at the Ubifrance Office, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 to meet Irish wine importers. The French wines presented on the day will be various (red, white and rosé) and come from many different regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Alsace, Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhône, Languedoc, Médoc and South West. If you are interested in discovering these French wines, we will be pleased to organise for you individual business meetings with the representatives of your choice, so you can find out more about their wines. The next meeting with French winemakers organised by the French Trade Commission-Ubifrance will take place on January 19th 2012 , and we are expecting you as well! The last edition in January 2011 was a great success since 5 of the 12 participants found a partner, and 3 others reinforced an existing partnership. In 2010, France was the 4th wine supplier of Ireland in volume, and the 2nd one in value. French wines have a good image in Ireland as they are associated with quality, know-how and tradition, and they are consequently leaders among up-market wines.  For more information, please contact Pierre OLIVIER , pierre.olivier@ubifrance.fr , 01 411 21 11  

On August 18 th and 19 th 2011, three French craft brewers will be in Dublin to meet Irish beer importers at the Ubifrance Office, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 and we would be delighted to see you there. - Brasserie Bourganel, is located in the heart of the natural park of the Mounts of Ardeche and has developed a wide range of specialty beers out of five different aromas (nougat, blueberry, chestnut, verbena and chestnut tree honey).   - Brasserie Pietra, is located in the Corsican village of Furiani. The hometown of its founder Dominique Sialelli, Piertraserena , gave its name to the brewery and to the first beer brewed at the site – Pietra , which is made from chestnuts.   - Situated among the Monts de Flandre, La Brasserie de St Sylvestre produces authentic beers with great attention, especially regarding the high quality of the local ingredients used.   This event is a unique opportunity to meet these brewers. The French Trade Commission in Ireland will organise for you individual business meetings so you can discover their companies and magnificent beers. The French brewers will also attend a presentation of the Irish beer market, and visit key retail outlets in Dublin. On August the 19 th , they will take part to the Lughnasa beer festival at the Pod Complex on Harcourt Street, gathering beer amateurs coming to taste over 300 beers from around the world! For more information, please contact Pierre OLIVIER, pierre.olivier [at] Ubifrance.fr, 01 411 2111

Mary McAleese, the Irish President, had promised to offer the best Irish specialty food products for the dinner held in the Dublin Castle to honour Queen Elisabeth II. However, France was secretively represented at the table. Indeed, to accompany the meal two French wines, Château Fieuzal 2005 Graves Pessac-Léognan and Château Lynch-Bages 1998 Pauillac, were served. Nevertheless, the two French Châteaux have Irish connections.