(Drinksretailingnews) - New figures reveal that Beaujolais wine exports to the UK increased by 15% in volume and 22.6% in value in the first five months of 2017.

The figures from Business France – the country’s agency which promotes opportunities for the international development of the French economy – show Beaujolais AOC shipments up 18.6% by volume and 54.7% by value.

Aurélie Vabre, export manager for Beaujolais Wine, said: “The time for Beaujolais has clearly come and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our growers and what the influx of young winemakers to the region will create.”

Mark Andrew MW, co-founder of Noble Rot, added: “Beaujolais is one of the most authentic wine regions in France, boasting an excellent indigenous grape variety and style of wine that is increasingly relevant to the contemporary wine-drinking audience.