Organic wine increasingly favored by French consumers

In recent years, the organic wine market has been booming in France, and it seems that this trend is set to continue. According to a study by the British institute IWSR, the results of which were unveiled on December 2 in Paris, French consumers will drink twice as much organic wine in 2021 as they did in 2013. In the vineyards, this will translate into an increase in the area cultivated according to the rules of organic viticulture. And we are not the only ones to praise this beverage. Its consumption is also increasing in Italy, Germany, and Spain and in the United States.

2021: the year France will overtake Germany in terms of consumption!

This study was conducted for the SudVinBio interprofessional organization in Languedoc, ahead of the Millésime Organic trade show, Organic will take place in Montpellier from January 27 to 29, 2020. Its findings are quite positive for professionals involved in organic viticulture. According to the survey, in 2021, consumption of organic wine in France will double compared to 2013, and by 2023, it will account for 20% of global consumption! Similarly, in 2021, France will become the leading consumer of organic wine, a position currently held by Germany. And this does not only apply to white and red wines. Sales of organic sparkling wines are also growing: 19.1% on average per year between 2013 and 2018, and the average annual growth for 2018-2023 is expected to be 8.2%.

Increase in certified organic vineyard areas

To meet consumer demand, producing countries will have to increase their organic farming areas. France is therefore affected, as is Spain, for example. But in the European Union, obtaining organic certification is not a simple process. It is necessary to comply with specifications that prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and GMOs. Similarly, this certification is awarded by an accredited independent body after a three-year conversion period. All French producers wishing to start producing organic wine must therefore comply with this procedure and the rules laid down by the European Union.