Georgian wine exports to UK increase by 60%, as new virtual platform launches
Exports of Georgian wine to the UK increased by 60% to the month of June, from 177,149 bottles in the same period in 2020, to 283,830 in 2021.
The UK is a new but rapidly growing market for Georgian wine. The National Wine Agency of Georgia has invested in a generic UK marketing program, led by Sarah Abbott MW’s Swirl Wine Group, since 2017.
The 2021 campaign includes virtual tastings held through the year, a trade tasting (held in June), a media and sampling office, a virtual press trip, the Indie Alliance Fund, and content marketing on the www.GeorgianWine.UK website and social media channels.
In addition, two new online resources have gone live this week that will ease the access to information on Georgian wineries and wines.
Georgian Wine Connect – connect with Georgian wineries
https://swirl.eventscase.com/EN/georgianwineconnect
This online platform hosts winery profiles, virtual networking and monthly live webinars to connect producers with trade and media professionals in the UK, and other markets. Georgian wineries are set up on the platform by Swirl Wine Group team. Buyers and journalists sign up to use the virtual networking for on-demand messaging to wineries of interest.
Georgia Trade Guide online – find and research Georgian wines
https://georgia.tradeguide.wine/
The online Georgian Wine Trade Guide offers detailed information on Georgian wines from wineries active in export markets. Swirl Group has worked with Georgian producers to develop their wine information and imagery to provide a level of reliable information previously missing from communications.
The first tranche of wines highlighted on the Trade Guide focuses on wines that are featured in the UK campaign of tastings and sampling. The selection will expand as this is a dynamic database that producers can manage and use for their record keeping and wine information.
Sarah Abbott MW comments: “We are delighted to see sales of Georgian wine continue to go from strength to strength here in the UK. We are working hard to take the sector to the next level with all these new initiatives. The quality of the wines being produced in Georgia is rising all the time, and it is a hugely exciting and dynamic sector. We hope that by providing the tools for the importers to access all the great wines coming out of the country, more producers will find representation here.”
Launch and tutorial – 21st July
An online launch and presentation of these new resources, as well as tips on sourcing and promoting Georgian wine, will be held at 11am on 21st July. Trade and media who are interested in attending should contact Madeleine Waters on [email protected].
