After a lacklustre 2020 due to the Covid-19 crisis, French wine and spirits exports rebounded strongly in 2021. Sales for the sector reached €15.5 billion, higher than the record figure recorded in 2019 (+10.5%).
Key figures for French wine and spirits exports.
The wine and spirits sector is the largest in Europe. second largest contributor to France's balance of trade, behind aerospace and ahead of cosmetics. L’trade surplus in wines and spirits represents 14.2 billion euros an increase of 29.1% compared with 2020. Volumes shipped exceed the 200 million cases for the first time since 2012.
French wine exports
French wines recorded a sales of 10.6 billion euros in 2021, This represents an increase of 27.5% on the previous year. In terms of volume, the main types of wine shipped to French customers are PGI Oc, Bordeaux and Champagne. In terms of value, Champagne and Bordeaux top the list. Burgundy wines complete the podium.
French spirits exports
The export presence of French spirits is largely driven by cognac. This is because, this spirit alone accounts for 73.7% of French exports by value. Overall, the spirits sector saw its sales increase by 30.1% to reach 4.9 billion in 2021.
The main export markets for French wines and spirits
After coming to a halt in 2020, the export business of French wine and spirits companies is experiencing a strong upturn. Despite a still uncertain health situation and logistical difficulties, the upturn in global demand has been largely supported by the’abandonment in the United States of taxes say Trump in March 2021. The definitive exit from the United Kingdom has not had the feared impact on the French wine and spirits market. Overall, this tThe upward trend can be observed across all EU markets (+23% in exports). The reopening of the Asian on-trade has enabled French exports to grow at a steady pace.The same dynamism can be found in this area.
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Sources & additional information : French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters
