FranceAgriMer, the French organisation responsible for promoting French wines, has launched a new French Wines campaign, running across six countries: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Russia and the UK.

French wine and spirits exports rose by 10.5% in 2011, according to the sector's export trade body, FEVS. Exports reached €10.1bn for the year.

New standards for organic wine production have been voted by the European Standing Committee on Organic Farming, as part of the 2004 Organic Action Plan of the European Commission.

Fully redesigned, the new FranceAgriMer website provides user-friendly home pages giving immediate access to news and events. The site is organised in agriculturally-themed sections: wine, meats, fisheries and aquaculture.

Noël Bougrier elected President of the Merchants Union of Loire Valley wines, EGVL (Entreprises des Grands Vins de Loire).

Patricia Zabalza new Director at Côtes de Bordeaux.

Jean-Jacques Jarjanette appointed Managing Director of Confédération des Vignerons Indépendants de France.

Sopexa UK is managing the press office for the French Wines with Style campaign. This campaign will also include activities specific to the UK market.

French Wines is delighted to announce that the UK campaign will be working with award-winning international sommelier Gérard Basset, OBE. He will be leading a series of French wines style master classes and will be involved in the Absolutely Cracking Wines from France tasting.

ProWein recently commissioned market research firm Wine Intelligence to release a study on "ideal wine" for wine drinkers in four markets (UK, Germany, USA and China). According to the report, the level of alcohol, country of origin and type of closures influence the choice of the ideal wine.