Kentish Express Ashford & District

Chapel Down puts some fizz into American market

- By Aidan Barlow

A wine boss showed off the sparkle of his thriving industry and toasted his company’s bravery to break into the American marketplac­e with a glitzy launch in New York City.

Chapel Down chief executive Frazer Thompson marked the launch of the Three Graces 2010 vintage at the residence of the British Consul General last Tuesday.

His company has sealed a deal with ABCK Corp to export 10,000 bottles which will be distribute­d to posh hotels, leading retailers and trendy restaurant­s across the Atlantic between September and the new year.

Mr Thompson said: “America values the new, the brave, the different and the distinctiv­e. We have been overwhelme­d by the positive reaction to our wines in New York.

“More than anything New Yorkers and Brits share a sense of fun, so we are thrilled to be working together.”

He hosted the event along- side Antonia Romeo, the Consul General, with the stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline to enthrall new friends and trading partners.

Mrs Romeo said: “The English sparkling wine industry is going from strength to strength, enjoying increasing popularity and winning internatio­nal acclaim.

“Chapel Down demonstrat­es the extraordin­ary quality of English sparkling wine and we are delighted to be working with them as they grow their overseas footprint and enter the US market.

“As a category, sales of English sparkling wine have doubled in the past five years and are expected to double again by the year 2020. We look forward to helping Chapel Down increase their presence in the US market.”

For more informatio­n about the company visit www.chapeldown.com.

 ??  ?? Chapel Down chief executive Frazer Thompson and Consul General Antonia Romeo
Chapel Down chief executive Frazer Thompson and Consul General Antonia Romeo

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