THE CONTINUED RULE OF ROSÉ

FOR the 11th consecutive year, exports of rosé wines from Provence to the United States have grown at double-digit rates. In 2O14, exports from the world’s rosé capital climbed 29% on volume and increased 38% on value according to the French customs agency and the CIVP/Provence Wine Council. The report is backed up by US retail sales data released in February by research firm Nielsen, which shows the entire rosé category to be on a sustained upward trend, with the premium imported segment seeing a 53% increase on dollars in 2O14. Viewed together, the sustained growth of exports along with retail sales figures tell a rosy story that continues to far outpace the US wine market as a whole. Exports from Provence to the States jumped 29% on volume and 38% on value from October 2O13 to October 2O14. These numbers have grown at double-digit rates each year since 2OO4. According to Nielsen research, U.S. retail sales of imported rosé wines priced at $12 or more per bottle grew by 41% on volume and 53% on value in 2O14, capping ten straight years of documented double-digit growth. This is compared to growth rates of 1.O% on volume and 3.3% on value for the total table wine market. In addition, the average price per bottle in this category increased to $16.83, a sign that consumers are seeking out premium rosé – a segment in which Provence continues to be the leader.