Grape wine spirits market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for grape wine spirits in Estonia began the period at 733 thousand liters in 2018. It expanded to 902 thousand liters in 2019, supported by the entry of new small-scale producers and the formation of the Eesti Veinitee association, which helped promote local wine-based spirits. Climate change also played a role, as warmer conditions facilitated grape cultivation further north, increasing the raw material base for distillation.

In 2020, market volume dropped sharply to 610 thousand liters, primarily due to supply chain disruptions and altered consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market rebounded to 743 thousand liters in 2021 and reached 925 thousand liters in 2022. This recovery was driven by continued entry of new craft producers, such as Saaremaa Veinitehas and Muhu Veinitalu, and ongoing favorable climate trends that improved grape yields and quality for spirit production.

After 2022, the market contracted significantly, falling to 550 thousand liters in 2023 and further to 481 thousand liters in 2024. This decline marked a shift from the previous growth trend, with no specific market drivers reported for these years.

Production grape wine spirits in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, grape wine spirits production in Estonia rebounded. In 2021, output reached 744.2 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 64.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 24.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest production value was recorded in 2020 at 453.8 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 19.0% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

Following a two-year decline, grape wine spirits production in Estonia saw an upturn. In 2021, Estonia produced 186.1 thousand liters, representing a 42.7% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 11.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 130.3 thousand liters, with the most substantial drop of 19.3% also taking place in that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, K l

Exports grape wine spirits from Estonia

Exports in kind, K l

After a two-year decrease, grape wine spirits exports from Estonia experienced a modest recovery. In 2021, exports totaled 271 thousand liters, showing a slight increase of 7.8% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 251 thousand liters, which also saw the largest decline of 31.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania were the primary destinations for grape wine spirits exports from Estonia, collectively accounting for 96.3% of total exports in volume. Latvia led with 49.0%, followed by Finland at 25.0%, and Lithuania at 22.3%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's grape wine spirits exports declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, export value amounted to 4,973 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 4.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 53.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania consistently dominated Estonia's grape wine spirits exports in value terms, together making up 95.4% of total flows. Latvia accounted for 49.4%, Finland for 28.7%, and Lithuania for 17.2%.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Estonia in value, 2018-2021

Imports grape wine spirits to Estonia

Imports in kind, K l

In 2021, Estonia imported 827 thousand liters of grape wine spirits, up by 13.2% from the previous year. However, from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 17.7%, averaging an annual decline of 6.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 731 thousand liters, while the peak was in 2019 at 1,104 thousand liters. The largest drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 33.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, K l

From 2018 to 2021, imports of grape wine spirits to Estonia were heavily concentrated on France, which accounted for 72.8% of total volume, with other countries making up the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, grape wine spirits imports into Estonia increased. In 2021, imports reached 15,732 thousand US dollars, rising by 9.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2020 at 14,392 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, France played a dominant role in Estonia's grape wine spirits imports in value terms, holding an 84.4% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Estonia in value, 2018-2021