French wines lost market share around the world in 2013, according to new figures that a show a drop in exports from the country.
France exported 3.1% less wine last year, with shipments totalling 174.8m 12-bottle cases, according to the national wine export trade body FEVS.
Low-priced wines with no geographical indication suffered the biggest decline, with exports falling by 17.3% versus 2012 to 14.3m cases.
But, export volumes fell across the board, albeit by less than 1% for AOC still wines and Champagne.
Overall wine and spirits exports from France fell by 3.3% last year.
‘2013 result is a remarkable performance considering the current deteriorated economic environment,’ said FEVS chairman Louis Fabrice Latour.
‘However, these good results in 2013 should not hide the continuous loss of market shares in terms of volume in our main external markets.’
The FEVS has previously warned of pressure on export momentum from smaller harvests in some regions in recent years.
In value terms, French wine exports were broadly flat in 2013, dipping by just 0.1% to €7.6bn.
Including spirits, exports were €9.5bn, down 0.4% on 2012. Bordeaux, Champagne and Cognac accounted for 60% of that figure.
Written by Chris Mercer
