French wine export hit new high in 2021

According to figures released by the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins et Spiritueux de France (FEVS), French wine export sales reached a record high of €15.5 billion, with exports to China surging by 56% last year.

Exports of Champagne, wine and Cognac struck a new high in 2021. According to data released by the French Wine and Spirits Exporters Federation on 15 February, French wine exports reached a record high of €15.5 billion in 2021, a year-on-year increase of 28%.

This marks a strong bounce-back of French wine exports across all countries. The US is the largest export destination of French wine and spirits, accounting for more than a quarter of the total sales of French wine exports. The country has regained its role as the leading importer of French wine.

In 2021, total French wine and spirit exports to the US increased by 34% to €4.1 billion. The suspension of US taxes on French wine from March 2021 was believed to be the major reason for boosted exports.

In addition, concerns over Brexit have been dispelled. The UK’s complete withdrawal from the EU from 1 January 2021 has had no adverse effect on French alcohol exports. Sales for the whole of last year were good, jumping 20% to a record €1.6 billion.

In Asia, French wine exports surged by 56% to €1.26 billion in the Chinese market. The growth rate of exports to South Korea exceeded 60%, and exports to Singapore also increased significantly.

The entire French wine production industry has benefited from the growth of global consumption. Champagne was once again a global hit, with overseas export sales exceeding €3.5 billion. This was followed by Bordeaux (€2.3 billion), Burgundy (€1.27 billion), Rhône Valley wines (€524 million) and Provence (€313 million).

As for spirits, Cognac continues to attract more and more international consumers and hit a record high (€3.6 billion) in 2021, driven by major brands such as LVMH, Pernod Ricard and Rémy Cointreau.