Grape wine market in Moldova

Earlier Report Observations

The Moldovan grape wine market volume started at 41.4 million liters in 2018, supported by a record grape harvest that boosted domestic consumption. However, in 2019 the market shrank to 32.2 million liters as exports grew by 10% and new wineries entered the market focusing on external sales. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted export channels, reducing shipments abroad and increasing domestic availability, which lifted the market volume to 39.9 million liters.

Market volume continued to expand to 45.3 million liters in 2021 and peaked at 50.3 million liters in 2022. The war in Ukraine severely constrained exports to traditional CIS markets, cutting export volumes by 14% in 2022 and redirecting more wine to the local market. During this period, wine quality improved through new technologies and climate adaptation, helping Moldovan wines win international awards.

In 2023, the market volume fell sharply to 29.3 million liters. This drop coincided with an 18% surge in export volumes as Moldovan wines gained stronger footholds in European and American markets, drawing supply away from domestic consumption.

Production grape wine in Moldova

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova ranked as the 19th largest producer of grape wine globally.

Top producers of grape wine, 2017-2020

World map of production of grape wine, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of growth, grape wine production in Moldova experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 172.3 million liters of grape wine, marking a 5.7% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak production occurred in 2019, reaching 182.7 million liters. The most significant year-over-year increase was observed in 2018, at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, M l

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape wine output in Moldova rose to 172.6 million US dollars, reflecting a 2.8% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 10.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 177.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 5.2%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, surging by 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Moldova in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports grape wine from Moldova

Exports in kind, M l

In 2020, Moldova's grape wine exports amounted to 134.1 million liters, representing an 11.7% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall declined by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%. The peak export volume was achieved in 2019, reaching 151.9 million liters. The most notable increase was also in 2019, rising by 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus, Georgia, and Russia were the primary destinations for Moldova's grape wine exports by volume. Belarus accounted for 32.7% of exports, Georgia for 12.4%, and Russia for 11.4%. Together, these three countries absorbed 56.6% of Moldova's total grape wine exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Moldova in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Moldova's cross-border shipments of grape wine in value terms saw a decline. In 2020, exports were valued at 134.4 million US dollars, indicating a moderate 3.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 4.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 139.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018, up by 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Moldova in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova's grape wine exports in value terms were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Belarus was the top destination, accounting for 19.2% of export value, followed by Romania at 12.3%, and Russia at 10.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 41.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Moldova in value, 2017-2020

Imports grape wine to Moldova

Imports in kind, M l

The import market for grape wine in Moldova displayed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports reached 1.7 million liters, a 26.4% increase from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1.9 million liters, while the lowest was in 2017, resulting in a 2.5-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 28.8%, and the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 154.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Moldova in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Over the 2017-2020 period, imports of grape wine in kind to Moldova were spread across multiple countries without a clear dominant partner. Ukraine led with 26.3% of imports, followed by Italy at 10.6%, and France at 6.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 43.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Moldova in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment for grape wine imports in value terms. In 2020, imports reached 3.0 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 14.0% increase compared to the previous year. Imports peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, falling by 9.1%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018, rising by 78.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Moldova in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, France, and Ukraine formed the core of Moldova's grape wine imports in value terms. Italy accounted for 33.6% of import value, France for 27.4%, and Ukraine for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Moldova in value, 2017-2020