Grapes market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French grape market in 2018 was characterized by production concentrated in the Southeast and Southwest regions, with domestic supply covering 30-37% of consumption and the rest met by imports, primarily from Italy. Per capita consumption ranged from 2 to 3.5 kg annually. From 2019 to 2021, market volume experienced fluctuations, declining to 5 621 thousand tons in 2019, recovering to 6 003 thousand tons in 2020, and then falling again to 5 221 thousand tons in 2021.

A significant turnaround occurred in 2022, with market volume surging by 21.8% to 6 360 thousand tons. This growth was driven by an early start to the season due to high temperatures and scarce rainfall, which accelerated grape development and boosted production. Simultaneously, producers responded to the plastic packaging ban for fruits and vegetables by introducing new rPET trays containing recycled plastic, potentially stimulating demand. In 2023, the market stabilized at 6 345 thousand tons. Exceptional weather conditions that year enhanced the sugar-acid balance and flavor of French grapes, maintaining consumer interest, while increased competition from Italian varieties and imports from countries like South Africa, Peru, and Namibia balanced the market.

By 2024, the industry reported stable production with a slight increase, supported by continued advisory services from agricultural chambers and France's position as the world's second-largest grape producer.

Production grapes in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the fifth position globally in grape production.

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 5 858 K t of grapes, marking a moderate increase of 6.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 268 K t, with the largest annual increase of 25.1% that year. Conversely, the most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape output in France reached 15 571 M $ US, reflecting a strong advance of 20.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 30%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The largest decline in value was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 9.2%.

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

Exports grapes from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 13.3 K t of grapes, showing a controlled increase of 3.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.7%, with a CAGR of -7.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12.9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 25.9%. In contrast, the highest export volume occurred in 2018 at 17.4 K t, with the largest increase of 3.5% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for grapes in kind was diverse. Switzerland accounted for 23.7% of exports, Germany for 14.6%, and the Netherlands for 10.8%, together making up 49.1% of total flows. The remaining 50.9% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of reduction, France's grape exports in value terms increased in 2020. The country exported 35.4 M $ US of grapes, indicating a strong advance of 16.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11.9%, with a CAGR of -4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 30.3 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 23.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, France's grape exports in value terms were distributed across many different markets. Even the top destinations—Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium—collectively represented only 48.7% of total exports.

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

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

Imports grapes to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's grape imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 158.2 K t, which represents a 9.5% gain from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -3.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 116.1 K t, with the largest decline of 33.7% that year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 24.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy consistently led the import structure in kind, accounting for 58.3% of imports, followed by Turkey at 11.6% and Spain at 7.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 77.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, France's grape imports in value terms increased in 2020, reaching 299.4 M $ US, which represents a 19.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.7%, with a CAGR of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 251.1 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 10.1%.

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

In 2017-2020, Italy accounted for 50.0% of grape imports in value terms, Turkey for 12.7%, and Spain for 9.4%. Together, these three countries made up 72.1% of total import flows.

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

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