Grape wine spirits market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for grape wine spirits in Lithuania expanded from 3 555 тыс. л in 2018 to 4 854 тыс. л in 2019. This growth was driven by a surge in imports, as consumers increasingly brought alcohol from abroad following amendments to the Alcohol Control Law. Simultaneously, a sharp excise tax hike of over 100% on wine and beer in a single year made spirits relatively more affordable, supporting demand despite an overall ban on alcohol advertising introduced in 2018.

From 2020 onward, the market volume contracted sharply, falling to 2 275 тыс. л in 2020 and to 1 361 тыс. л by 2022. This decline coincided with a reported drop of more than 38% in demand for strong spirits over the decade and a reduction in the shadow market for illegal alcohol. Further pressure came from rising consumer prices, which increased by 11.4% in 2021, coupled with a decrease in purchasing power that led to lower sales in retail and hospitality venues.

The downward trend continued, with market volume reaching 783 тыс. л in 2024. During this period, consumer preferences increasingly shifted toward wine, diverting demand away from spirits. The market remained dominated by low-price segments like cheap vodka, while higher-priced spirits held a minor share. In value terms, these dynamics led to fluctuations, with the market peaking at $22.8 million in 2021 before falling to $14.6 million in 2024.

Production grape wine spirits in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Lithuania's grape wine spirits production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 5 891 K $ US, marking a 4.3% increase compared to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 376 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 7.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K l

In 2021, Lithuania produced 1 852 K l of grape wine spirits, representing a 15.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 21.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 13.0%.

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

Exports grape wine spirits from Lithuania

Exports in kind, K l

After a two-year uptick, grape wine spirits exports from Lithuania declined. In 2021, exports stood at 1 995 K l, down by 10.4% from 2020. The highest level was recorded in 2020 at 2 226 K l, with the largest increase occurring in 2019 at 8.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Latvia, and Finland were the main destinations for Lithuania's grape wine spirits exports in volume terms. Russia accounted for 59.6% of exports, Latvia for 18.1%, and Finland for 6.7%, together making up 84.4% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Grape wine spirits export values from Lithuania declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 28 717 K $ US, showing a measured drop of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 029 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 15.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Russia dominated Lithuania's grape wine spirits export partner structure in value terms, holding a 74.4% share of total flows, while other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports grape wine spirits to Lithuania

Imports in kind, K l

In 2021, foreign grape wine spirits supplies to Lithuania registered 2 411 K l, constituting a moderate gain of 4.8% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 22.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.1%. The lowest level was recorded in 2020 at 2 302 K l, while the highest was in 2019 at 5 100 K l. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 54.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 64.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, Latvia, and Spain were the principal suppliers of grape wine spirits to Lithuania in volume terms. France accounted for 54.7% of imports, Latvia for 14.9%, and Spain for 12.3%, jointly making up 81.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, grape wine spirits shipments to Lithuania from abroad reached 45 659 K $ US, indicating a small uptick of 0.9% relative to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 13.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 46 006 K $ US, which saw the largest increase of 14.4%, while the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 1.6%.

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

Over 2018 to 2021, France, Spain, and Latvia were the main suppliers of grape wine spirits to Lithuania in value terms. France accounted for 64.5% of imports, Spain for 10.6%, and Latvia for 10.2%, together comprising 85.3% of total imports.

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

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