French Wine Exports Worldwide

French wine and spirits exports reached a record turnover in 2022. Challenges related to adverse climatic conditions and harvests were offset by an increase in bottle prices.

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Which are the leading wine-exporting countries globally?

France, the 3rd Largest Wine Exporter by Volume

For many years, three countries have dominated the top ranks in terms of wine export volume: Italy, Spain, and France. In 2022, France exported over 1.4 million liters of wine, positioning the country as the third-largest wine exporter globally, behind Italy and Spain.

France, the Leading Wine Exporter by Value

Although ranking third in terms of wine export volume, France has maintained its leadership position in the global market by value for several years. Following the decline in exports caused by the health crisis, France has experienced an exponential recovery, with its wine export revenues reaching a record-breaking 17.2 billion euros since 2022.

What are the main importing markets for French wines?

The USA: Leading Importer of French Wine

The American market is the most significant market for French wines. In 2022 alone, it accounted for 19% of wine exports by value. This trend is upward: in 2022, wine exports to the United States reached 2.1 billion euros, up from 1.9 billion in 2019 and 1.4 billion in 2020 during the health crisis.

In 2019, French wines constituted 34.15% of wine imports into the USA, positioning France as the leading supplier to the United States by value and the second by volume. Since the first half of 2022, the USA has become the largest consumer of French wines by volume, surpassing Germany, which historically held the top position.

As connoisseurs of grand crus, Americans consume a significant volume of still wines, particularly favoring premium red wines from Bordeaux or Burgundy. Demand is especially robust in California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. Sparkling wines and bulk still wines rank second and third among imported wine products.

The United Kingdom, Second Largest Importer of French Wines

The United Kingdom is a small wine-producing country but a major wine-consuming nation. Despite its departure from the European Union, the UK continues to hold its position as the second-largest importer of French wines by value.

Currently, the most popular grape varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris for white wines; Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds; and White Zinfandel, 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 in vogue, and there is a notable trend towards consuming lower-alcohol wines (Business France, 2021).

China, the Challenger

China is one of the largest export markets for French wines. For over a decade, France has led as the top exporting country in the Chinese market. In 2021, nearly one in five bottles of Bordeaux wine was sold to China.

Which French Wine is Most Exported?

Since 2020, the top-performing French wines in terms of exports have been AOP wines. They accounted for 5.5 million hectoliters shipped, generating 5.4 billion euros in revenue in 2022.

Next are Champagnes, which generated 3.5 billion euros in revenue, followed by wines from various French wine regions: Bordeaux wines in first place, then wines from Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Beaujolais, Alsace, and finally, the Southwest.

Bordeaux Wines and China

In 2021, nearly one in five bottles of Bordeaux wine was sold to China. This occurred despite significant global market shifts, including the COVID-19 pandemic, international conflicts, and elections in key countries. Following a two-year decline, shipments to China (including Macau and Hong Kong) were once again on the rise.

Today, the assessment is positive: 2021 marked a strong recovery in exports for Bordeaux wines, with a 30% increase in value and a 9% increase in volume, totaling 616 million euros and 54 million bottles sold in the Chinese market.

Where to Import French Wines?

As observed, certain countries, such as the United States, are highly fond of French wines and represent a significant export opportunity. To determine a target market, it is advisable, and even recommended, to consider potential food and wine pairings with local cuisine, for instance.

European consumers, such as those in Germany or Belgium, have a long tradition of appreciating French wines, making these favorable markets for French wine exports.

Africa, in particular, is increasingly attracting the attention of wine industry stakeholders 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. The rising demand for premium products and the development of a wine consumption culture are driving sector growth in this region.

Beyond Africa, other emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, India, Mexico, and Brazil also present considerable potential for wine imports.

The Brazilian market, despite facing economic challenges, offers opportunities for premium French wines, particularly in major cities. While the global trend was one of contraction, wine demand surged in Brazil during the pandemic, making it the 14th most attractive market globally in 2021.

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