Strong growth from Gallo

E&J Gallo has recorded its most successful summer trading period in Britain, achieving sales of more than 1.8 million nine-litre cases across its portfolio.

This has helped fuel total sales of American wine to the extent that they have now overtaken sales of French wines in the UK for the first time.

The US category grew by 6.1 per cent over the summer trading period, driven primarily by brands like Gallo Family Vineyards.

AC Nielsen figures show that the US is now the second largest wine category by volume in Britain, behind Australia.

This strong performance has taken E&J Gallo Winery's year-to-date sales to 3.5 million nine-litre cases.

The bedrock of the summer sales increase was the British consumer's growing appetite for rosé.

The category grew by 27.9 per cent during the summer with Gallo Family Vineyards Sierra Valley White Grenache selling 374,000 nine-litre cases to remain the market leader, accounting for 14 per cent of total British rosé sales. 

Jane Hunter, Western European marketing director for E&J Gallo Winery, said: "The Gallo family has a long history of producing award-winning wines, which people can enjoy together on any occasion.

"Our success this summer reflects the overall quality and breadth of the portfolio, which has broad ranging appeal and offers excellent quality across every price point.  

"The growth in US wine is being driven by major brands, like Gallo Family Vineyards, that consumers identify with and know offer good value for money.  

"We expect this growth to continue into 2007 as more consumers enjoy the great tasting wine that the US, and California in particular, produces."