UK Archives

UK Remains Champagne’s #1 Market

Champagne exports across the globe has increased by 3.4% in value while the number of bottles exported fell by four million in 2012, according to the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC).
UK remains Champagne’s number one market, for the 17th year in a row. Amounting to 32.4m bottles; the UK is 6.1% down in volume but 0.5% up in value.

The increase in value was due to heavy spending from wealthy consumers of Russia and China living and visiting London. Restaurants, hotels, elite bars and clubs account for 30% of UK sales.

“We are seeing a new market emerging, as discerning consumers come and settle in London from developing Champagne markets such as China, India and Russia,” said Françoise Peretti of UK Champagne Bureau.
She pointed out that the value increase is due to restaurants, hotels, elite bars and clubs that account for 30% of UK sales.

“London truly is leading the way as the place to come and explore the best of Champagne’s diversity,” said Peretti.

Henri Giraud launches UK Champagne Bar

Champagne Henri Giraud has launched “Giraud Champagne Bar”, its first Champagne bar in the UK . The Aÿ-based house has set up the in the courtyard of Amuse Bouche in Parsons Green, West London. With seating for 30, the the new champagne bar offers four different Champagnes from the Henri Girard range, by both the glass and bottle: Blanc de Blancs NV, Esprit Rosé NV, Hommage à François Hémart Grand Cru and Code Noir Grand Cru NV. Other offerings include smoked ham, fig bruschetta, mini beef skewers with teriyaki sauce and wild mushroom risotto balls canapés.
Source: Drinks Business

VEUVE CLICQUOT BUSINESS WOMAN AWARD (UK) 2012 SHORTLIST IS ANNOUNCED

Veuve Clicquot has announced this week it’s shortlist for “Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award” at the WIE (Women: Inspiration & Enterprise) Power Breakfast at The London Stock Exchange, and the three finalists are:

• Anya Hindmarch: Founder, Anya Hindmarch
• Helena Morrissey: CEO, Newton Investment Management
• Ruth Rogers: Chef & Owner, The River Café

The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of female entrepreneurs and business leaders, and is now in its 40th year. It celebrates entrepreneurial women who have made a significant contribution to business life in the UK. The nomination criteria are those ideals epitomised by Madame Clicquot: Entrepreneurship, financial success, Corporate Social Responsibility and acting as a role model.

All Finalists selected by the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award judging panel demonstrated the strongest evidence of all nomination criteria. Notable achievements included Helena Morrissey’s groundbreaking 30% Club, which helps champion the issue of women on boards, Anya Hindmarch’s entrepreneurial story and global pioneering of her ‘I am not a plastic bag’ initiative which raised the issue of plastic bag usage amongst the public’s consciousness as well as the government’s agenda, and Ruth Rogers’ steady growing business, changing how we perceive, as well as cook, Italian cuisine.

Carolyn McCall, a previous winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and current Panel member, noted: “The nominees for this year’s award are all great role models and have all the attributes that Veuve Clicquot looks for in its Business Woman Award. This award has played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating women in business.”

Sian Westerman, MD of Rothschild and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel commented: “This strong shortlist, drawn from an excellent long list, exemplifies what women can achieve in business: strong entrepreneurship and leadership, combined with a desire and ability to deliver real change in society. Spanning areas key to the UK economy of fashion, finance and hospitality, they are great role models for all who aspire to succeed in business.”

Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International and member of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Panel said: “It was inspiring to see the sheer quality and range of candidates for the award — busting the myth that there aren’t many women business leaders!”

The Award’s 20-strong judging panel is comprised of business leaders, including Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive, easyJet, Jasmine Whitbread, CEO Save the Children, Duncan Bannatyne, Entrepreneur and Dragon, Caroline Michel, CEO, Peters, Frasers and Dunlop as well as Sian Westerman, MD, Rothschild and other key industry experts.

The winner of the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award will be announced at a high-profile Champagne reception at The Ballroom at Claridge’s, London on the 18th of April 2012 at 6.30pm.

Christina Jesaitis, Senior Brand Manager, Veuve Clicquot said: “As we reach our 40th year of the award, social and environmental responsibility are still a key focus for our judges and this year’s finalists all represent business women that have embedded these important attributes into their organizations. The award also looks for those women that are able to act as more than just an example of a successful business woman, but rather an inspiration and mentor for future female entrepreneurs; we believe that all of our three finalists have demonstrated this quality.”

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Champagne Jacquart Seeks Best UK Sommelier and Chef

Champagne Jacquart is calling for entries to its Rising Stars Trophy competition to find the finest young chef and sommelier duo in the UK.

The 2011 competition is open to teams comprised of sommeliers and chefs, under the age of 35, and offers them the opportunity to take part in one of the industry’s leading event.

The competition now in its fourth year, pays testament to the brand’s ambition to support the stars of tomorrow within the hospitality industry.

It has been previously presided by personalities such as Gérard Basset MS MW and judged by some of the leading names in the wine trade, including wine writers Susy Atkins, John Radford, Hotel du Vin’s Ronan Sayburn MS and St John and HG Wines’ Jade Koch.

Susy Atkins says: “The competition is a must for the UK on-trade as it puts both the sommelier and the chef together”. Gerard Basset MS MW also praises the competition by saying that, “entering is a great opportunity to bring the industry to life. This is an aspirational award and it encourages people who work in restaurants to raise their game.”

After the initial round of paper judging, eight teams will be invited to compete at the grand finale, hosted in the Competition Theatre of The Restaurant Show, in London on October 10.

Applicants can find out more online at www.enotria.co.uk/risingstars – closing date for entries is July 22, 2011

Today is Race Day: Investec Derby @ 4 pm (Pol Roger is the Champagne Sponsor)

At 4 pm this afternoon you will hear the deafening roar that greets the start of the greatest flat race in the world, as Britain’s biggest one day sporting crowd signal the start of the Investec Derby, one of the world’s iconic sporting moments.

Today is unique in the sporting calendar – the first Saturday in June is always Investec Derby Day, so make sure to add it to your diary now for next year and will also be celebrating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Saturday 4 June 2011 is particularly special because of one horse, Carlton House, who will line up at 4pm this afternoon for his owner Her Majesty The Queen, providing perhaps her best opportunity in her 10th attempt at winning the Blue Riband of the turf.

The Sir Michael Stoute trained three-year-old colt has dominated the headlines since winning the Dante at York on 12 May and will be ridden today by Ryan Moore, last years Investec Derby winner on Workforce.

Sponsors include: title sponsor Investec, Audemars Piguet (Timing), Jaguar (Automotive), Pol Roger (Champagne), and William Hill (Betting).