The organic wine market in France
The organic wine market in France has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, becoming an important part of the country’s wine industry.
Peculiarities of the organic wine market in France
In the distribution of organic wine market in France, it is important to distinguish:
- On the one hand, the sector specialised in the distribution of organic products (wholesalers of organic products, organic shops and chains of organic shops).
- On the other hand, the non-specialised sector (wine merchants, HORECA, mass distribution).
Other particularities of the organic wine market in France indicate that:
- 74% of the volumes of organic wines marketed are DO.
- More than half of the organic wines consumed are red wines.
- 12% of organic wines consumed are sparkling wines.
- Imports of organic wines are very low (1%).
- Organic wines account for 12% of household organic consumption
France, third largest producer in the world after Spain and Italy
France is the world’s third largest producer of organic wine after Spain and Italy. These three countries account for 73% of the world’s vineyards.
Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in Europe
Organic vineyards in 2016 represent 9.1% of French vineyards, i.e. 68,556 hectares have organic vineyards, which shows an important evolution in recent years. In fact, the areas converted to organic have increased eightfold since 2007 and we can now count more than 5,200 organic vineyards. In exports, organic wine represents 2/3 of sales.
Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in France
Origin of supplies of the organic wine market in France according to types of organic products
France produces 99% of the wine it markets.
Organic wine consumption habits of the organic wine market in France
The consumption criteria are as follows:
- The origin of the wine
- respect for the environment
- AOP reputation
- the price
- availability in the shop
- the proximity of the product.
French consumers are in the habit of buying their wines directly from the producer (41% of total consumption in France).
Consumption of the organic wine market in France by type of organic products
The consumption of alcohol from organic farming has remained stable over the last 4 years and represents 12% of the sales of organic products in France.
The organic wine market in France and its consumer profile
Profile of the type of consumer in France
- 1 out of 3 wine consumers consume organic wine in France.
- 1 out of 6 organic consumers consume organic wine.
- 12% of organic wine drinkers do not drink conventional wine.
- 1% of the French consume only organic wine.
- Young people (18-24 years old) are particularly interested in organic wine. They represent 14% of organic wine consumers compared to 8% for conventional wine. Young consumers of organic wine are particularly sensitive to organic arguments.
- According to the 2015 edition of the BIO Agency Barometer, 11% of organic wine consumers intend to increase their consumption of organic wine over the next 6 months.
- 51% of French consumers would like to be able to find more organic wine in supermarkets.
Conclusions on the organic wine market in France
- French wines have a good image, but compete with organic wines of Spanish and Italian origin in many countries.
- To sell abroad, it is necessary to communicate even more about the quality of organic wines, their specificities and to increase their participation in organic fairs (many in Europe), participation in competitions, organisation of tastings (wine shops, boutiques), to make themselves known by prestigious sommeliers.
If you need to market your organic wines in France do not hesitate to cont us.