French wine and spirits exports reached record sales figures in 2022. Difficulties related to poor weather conditions and harvests were offset by higher bottle prices. So, which countries import the most French wines? Which French wines export best? How do you choose your target export market?
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What are the main wine exporting countries in the world?
France, the 3rd largest wine exporter by volume
For many years, three countries have shared the top spot in terms of wine export volume: Italy, Spain, and France. In 2022, we know that France exported more than 1.4 million liters of wine. This places the country third among the world's wine exporters , behind Italy and Spain.
France, the leading wine exporter by value
Although it ranks third in terms of wine export volume, France has held the leading position in the global market in terms of value for several years. Indeed, after the drop in exports caused by the health crisis, France has rebounded exponentially and since 2022 has seen its results break all records with export sales of €17.2 billion for wines.
What are the main importing markets for French wines?
The USA: the leading importer of French wine
The American market is the most important market for French wines. In 2022 alone, it represented 19% of wine exports by value. The trend is upward: in 2022, wine exports to the United States amounted to €2.1 billion, compared to €1.9 billion in 2019 and €1.4 billion in 2020 during the health crisis.
In 2019, French wines accounted for 34.15% of wine imports to the USA. This made France the leading supplier to the United States by value and the second largest by volume. Since the first half of 2022, the USA has become the largest consumer of French wines by volume, surpassing Germany, the historical leader.
Lovers of fine wines, Americans consume a lot of still wines, finding their pleasure in the great red wines of Bordeaux or Burgundy. Demand is particularly strong in California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Sparkling wines and still wines sold in bulk rank second and third among imported wine products.
The United Kingdom, the second largest importer of French wines
The United Kingdom is a small wine-producing country but a major wine-consuming one. Despite leaving the European Union, the UK remains the second-largest importer of French wines by value.
Currently, the most popular grape varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris for white wines; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds; and Zinfandel Blanc, Shiraz, and Garnacha for rosés. Organic wines are on the rise, as are vegan wines, which represent a growing niche market. Sparkling and rosé wines are also popular, and the trend toward lower-alcohol wines is noticeable (Business France, 2021).
China, the challenger
China is one of the largest export markets for French wines. For over 10 years, France has been the leading exporter to the Chinese market. In 2021, nearly one in five bottles of Bordeaux wine sold was destined for China.
Which French wine is the most exported?
Since 2020, the best-performing French wines in exports are AOP wines. They represent 5.5 million hectoliters shipped for a turnover of 5.4 billion euros in 2022.
Next come champagnes, which represent a turnover of 3.5 billion euros, then wines from the different French wine regions: Bordeaux wines in first place, followed by Burgundy wines, Rhône Valley wines, Provence wines, Languedoc-Roussillon wines, Beaujolais wines, Alsace wines and finally Southwest wines.
Bordeaux wines and China
In 2021, nearly one in five bottles of Bordeaux wine was sold to China. This occurred despite significant changes in the global market: the Covid pandemic, international conflicts, and elections in countries with major political stakes. After two years of decline, shipments to China (including Macau and Hong Kong) were once again on the rise.
Today, the assessment is positive: 2021 saw a strong recovery in Bordeaux wine exports. A 30% jump in value and a 9% increase in volume, representing €616 million and 54 million bottles sold in China.
Where can I import French wines?
As we have seen, some countries, such as the United States, are very fond of French wines and represent a significant export opportunity. To determine your target market, it is possible, and even recommended, to consider potential food and wine pairings that can be achieved with local cuisine, for example.
European consumers such as Germans or Belgians have a long tradition of appreciating French wines, making it a favorable market for French wine exports.
Africa, in particular, is attracting increasing attention from wine industry players due to its rapidly growing population and expanding middle class. Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia are proving to be dynamic markets for quality wines. Growing demand for premium products and the development of a wine-consumption culture are driving sector growth in the region.
Besides Africa, other emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, India, Mexico and Brazil also present considerable potential for wine imports.
The Brazilian market, while facing economic challenges, offers opportunities for high-end French wines, particularly in major cities. While the global trend was toward contraction, wine demand exploded during the pandemic in Brazil, which became the 14th most attractive market in the world in 2021.
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