Lebanese wine exports to the United Kingdom in 2012 soared by 33 percent to reach $4.3 million, according to Britain-based online magazine Harpers.
It added that the increase is the second double-digit rise for the country, which grew sales to the U.K. by 26 percent to $3.2 million in 2011.
Lebanese wine has gained international reputation and recognition over the past few years as more investments have been poured into this promising sector.
Contrary to most Lebanese-made products that suffered a setback as a result of the turmoil in Syria, exports of wine to Europe continued to surge.
The magazine said that the U.K. was one of the fastest growing export markets for Lebanese wineries, with total exports up 7.9 percent to $14.3 million. Sales to the U.S. grew by 29.8 percent to $1.9 million, while exports to France were up 4.8 percent to $2.4 million.
Lebanon’s association of wine producers, the Union Vinicole du Liban, has funded a marketing program in the U.K. since 2010. The Wines of Lebanon campaign won an award at the International Wine Challenge last year for raising awareness of Lebanon as a wine producing country.
“The figures demonstrate that in markets where we as wineries invest significant time and money, we are beginning to reap the benefits,” said Faouzi Issa, owner of Domaine des Tourelles.
