This record was driven by the rise in selling prices per bottle, while the volumes sold fell.

Sales of champagnes, AOC wines, cognacs and other spirits increased in almost all categories (+10.8% in total in value over one year), according to customs figures compiled and published Tuesday by the federation.

The trade surplus generated by these drinks amounts to 15.7 billion euros, up 10.3% compared to 2021. A "remarkable performance", which makes the sector "the second trade surplus after the aeronautics" in France, underlined the president of the FEVS, César Giron, during a press conference organized at the Wine Paris & Vinexpo fair.

French wines and spirits continue to appeal beyond the borders, even if, in 2022, the growth is partly explained by the rise in the price of bottles.

The sector, according to Mr. Giron, was able to "absorb and pass on" the increase in its production costs (glass, aluminum, transport).

Sales of wines amounted to 11.6 billion euros (+10.2%) and those of spirits - excluding vermouths and wine-based aperitifs - reached 5.5 billion euros (+11.6% ).

Products with high added value (champagne, cognac, grands crus) are once again driving this growth.

"75% of our exports are made outside the European Union, which should encourage us to promote the opening of markets and the signing of bilateral agreements," noted Mr. Giron.

The 550 companies gathered in the FEVS, which represent 85% of French sales abroad, however shipped fewer bottles, with a total decline in volumes of 3.8%.

These volumes even drop by 6.6% in the wine category, a “huge” decrease which corresponds to nearly 10 million fewer cases, said Mr. Giron.

In question, the catastrophic 2021 harvest due to climatic calamities (frost, hail), which "handicapped the ability to export", and the global geopolitical and logistical tensions which disrupted shipments.

The United States remains the leading destination market for French wines and spirits.

More than a quarter of sales are made there, up 14% in 2022 to 4.7 billion euros, despite a 5% drop in volumes.

© 2023 AFP