BGPL USA’s Strong Performances in U.S Retail Chains Affirms the Overall Growth and Interest in the Bordeaux Category Along with Forecast for a Bright Future
New York, NY (May 18, 2022) – BGPL USA Chief Operating Officer, Carlos Varela announced his team’s 2021 brand placement achievements in the United States under the management of newly appointed Director of National Accounts – Off-Premise, Yohann Voutsinas. BGPL USA is the importer and marketer of French winehouse’s Barton & Guestier, Patriarche and Listel in the U.S. The recent company achievements are aligned with the highest performances that Bordeaux producers have observed in the U.S in the past 30 years. According to The Bordeaux Wine Council (C.I.V.B), “year-end 2021 sales of Bordeaux wines increased 67% in value and 24% in volume” as compared to 2020. Several factors contribute to the acceleration of sales including shifted perceptions on Bordeaux wine, consumer recognition of value and quality, suspension of the 25% tariffs on French wines and new benchmarks in sustainability.
Barton & Guestier, Patriarche and Listel all share the heritage of historic French winemaking and product achievements have surpassed historical expectations. The strong performances of BGPL’s Bordeaux wines are illustrated by recent placements at Publix supermarkets with B&G Bordeaux red and white, Whole Foods Markets with Thomas Barton Graves and Vons Pavilions with Château Magnol.
Within BGPL’s portfolio, there has been a notable uptick in sales distribution at popular U.S retail chains including Sam’s Club, Target, Total Wine & More, Vons Pavilions, Walmart and Whole Foods Market. The popular Sparkling Wine of BGPL USA, Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé stands apart in its distinction as the #1 French Sparkling Wine under $20 in the U.S, observing a sales growth of 14% in 13 weeks according to data recorded by Nielsen.
Further, sales have impacted all wine styles from red, whites to rosé and ranges from affordable to classified growths. For example, BGPL USA holds the #1 Vouvray with its AOC B&G Vouvray “Les Petites Parcelles,” observing a sales growth of 30.7% in 13 weeks by Nielsen. Other notable wines include the B&G Bordeaux Rouge “Cuvée Rambaud,” and B&G Bordeaux Blanc “Petite Nancy”, which saw 212% and 578% growth percentages in previous year’s sales, respectively.
Leading the retail efforts is BGPL USA’s newest leadership addition is the Director of National Accounts Off-Premise, Yohann Voutsinas. The announcement serves as a promotion for Yohann who joined BGPL USA in January 2019, starting as Sales Manager to further develop the business on the field both Off and On-Premise as well as the relationship with distributors. After delivering quick results in a highly saturated market, Yohann has gone on to serve the company through multiple new U.S. relationships with Off-Premise National Accounts.
“It is no secret that the Bordeaux category is growing and becoming significantly more desirable to U.S consumers. Bordeaux wines had a perception of being overpriced, however it is evident consumers are moving past that notion. It has been rewarding for our team to see our sales results align with the growing demand for quality wines at attractive price points,” says Yohann Voutsinas. “Our winemakers have worked with passion to set the standard in producing wine with great value. It’s been a true pleasure to see the concrete numbers in our reports – from our Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé to B&G Vouvray – really spotlight our significant growth.”
The curiosity of young Yohann Voutsinas began as a boy growing up in Lyon, France where he would accompany his parents to the French “capital of gastronomy,” obtaining a deeper understanding in the fine dining of gastronomic restaurants. Yohann then inspired, went on to associate wine with his master’s degree in International Business Management and Export Management from ESCE International Business School in Paris, France followed by a double degree in Business Administration from Kendall College in Chicago. For five years, Yohann studied and worked abroad which led him to score his role with Belgian importer and distributor, Gustoworld. Throughout his experience working with one of the 420 Masters of Wine, Yohann gained a better understanding for all aspects of production before landing his role at BGPL USA.
“2021 marked a year of milestones for BGPL, from Veuve du Vernay’s distinction as the #1 French sparkling wine to our success with Vouvray. We are grateful for our brand partners who have helped us grow to this level,” says Voutsinas. “In my new role as Director of National Accounts, I look forward to the continued growth of BGPL.”
About BGPL USA
The importer and marketer of Barton & Guestier, Patriarche and Listel brands in the U.S., BGPL USA offers a comprehensive portfolio of French wines for the US market. Barton & Guestier is the oldest winehouse of Bordeaux, with three centuries of winemaking history and award-winning wines sourced from almost two hundred winegrowers in France. Based in Beaune, Patriarche is a Bourgogne winehouse specialized in the Charmat Method and Traditional Method sparkling wines as well as still AOC wines. Patriarche’s underground cellars, the largest in Europe, age 3 million bottles and welcome about 45,000 visitors each year. Listel is the maker of the best-selling rosé wine sold in France. Social Media: @bartonguestier_france, @veuveduvernay, @listelusaofficial; Website: www.bgpl-usa.com
