Tim Palmer France's leading wine exporter has its sights set on the UK and plans to take over Piat d'Or's role as the leading French brand. Les Grands Chais de France has given itself two years to make its JP Chenet the leading French wine in this country and intends to sell one million cases a year by 2005. The company claims it has the scale and experience to do this as it is already the second largest wine supplier in France behind Castel, while J P Chenet is the best selling French wine in the world. The brand has limited distribution in this country but UK consumers should be familiar with it through their purchases in Calais. UK director Tim North said the brand sold three million bottles in the French port last year, almost all to the British. North has recruited a sales team in the UK with the specific aim of building J P Chenet's sales. He refused to be drawn on the size of the support budget for the brand but said he has more than £100,000 to back it. The cash will go on promotional and tailormade activity to build distribution and no consumer advertising is planned until 2003. North said: "We have created a core wine range specifically for the UK." The three key UK wines will be Cabernet Syrah, Colombard Chardonnay and Cinsault Rosé retailing at £3.49, with a promotional price of £2.99. These will be supported by a Prestige range selling at £4.49. {{DRINKS }}

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