French wine exports drop in value
French wine exports fell 3% to €10.9bn in 2024, as global buyers opted for more affordable wines over premium labels like Champagne and Bordeaux, according to FEVS (Federation of Wine & Spirit Exports).
While export volumes rose slightly by 0.7% to 124.1 million cases, inflation and economic uncertainty drove consumers towards mid-range wines, including Crémant from the Loire and Alsace. Champagne exports dropped 8% in value, while sparkling wines from other regions grew nearly 10%.
US demand surged 8.4%, partly due to restocking and tariff concerns, but exports to China fell sharply by 17%, as Australia took back market share after its tariff war with China ended in March 2024.
Burgundy exports grew, boosted by strong harvests, while Bordeaux shipments continued to decline. FEVS president Gabriel Picard noted a shift from ultra-premium wines to resilient mid-range options, with rosé and white wines gaining ground over reds. As Italy’s Prosecco thrives, French winemakers aim to revitalise their sparkling wine exports amid changing global tastes.