Wines and spirits export rose 8.5% last year, reaching an historical high of €12.9 billion in 2017. The remarkable performance consolidates the sector’s position as France’s second largest trade surplus (€11.5 billion). In volume, exports recovered to approach 200 million cases (+5%).
Wines recorded significant increases in export sales (+10%) to reach €8.7 billion. This positive trend benefitted all regions. With 145 million cases, export volumes returned to growth, rising +6%.
Spirits crossed the €4-billion threshold for the first time, also rising 6%, with Cognac shipments jumping 11%. Volumes of exported spirits rose by 2.4% to 52 million cases.
France’s top two export markets were the U.S., which remains the leading destination for French wines and spirits exports, which rose 50% over the last three years.
China keeps growing, with sales up 25% to exceed €1.1 billion (€1.7 billion including Hong Kong). “This dynamic confirms the Chinese market’s shift towards a more balanced product mix, also driven by the expansion of the middle classes and urbanization of the population,” the Federation said.