First-half year exports of Burgundy wine increased by 6.5% in volume to almost 342,000 hectolitres and totalled just over EUR320m in value, up 20% on the corresponding period last year.

Commenting on the results, trade body Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB)  said today (12 September) that the significant gap in growth rate between volume and value can be explained by the return to strong demand for appellations communales, particularly for reds. A rise in turnover of 25% to 40% was recorded for all categories of AOC communales and grands crus reds in the first six months of 2007.

Exports to the US, which is set to becoming the biggest export market for Burgundy, were extremely buoyant with gains of 16% in volume and 26% in value.

"The US has been a prime target for the region's wine industry for some time and the benefits are now being reaped," the BIVB added.