Sparkling white wine market

Loire Valley sparkling wines represents 2 thirds of the Loire Valley Chenin Blanc wine commercialization. A few years ago, Crémant de Loire exceeded Saumur and Vouvray production. The appellation went from 100 000hl of the annual production in the 2000’s to almost 200 000 hl with the exceptional 2018 vintage. Crémant de Loire has a great potential in a large market.

About 30% (12 million of bottles) of the sparkling wine production is drunk out of France. Crémant de Loire is the first exported appellation with 50% of its volume compared to Saumur and Vouvray with only 10% of export. Germany is the first consumer’s market and it keeps increasing (+ 97% in 2010). In United Kingdom, volumes have tripled since 2010. United States increase their request every year, whatever the appellation (+ 112%). Being the biggest wine consumer’s country (1st for Loire Valley still wines), United States is definitively the Loire sparkling market to work with.

Loire sparkling wine export evolution since 2010

In France, large retailer is the principal Loire sparkling wine distribution channel. All together, it represents 30% of the market. The enthusiasm for French Crémant is real and stable which fully benefits the Crémant de Loire (+ 70% since 2010).

The market of PDO sparkling wines is getting better and better year after year. The consumer average price is 6.12€ (taxes included) for a bottle in 2018. Loire sparkling wine average is 5.79€ for a middle range going from Saumur wine (5.38€) to Vouvray wine (6.20€).

Consumer’s price (Taxes included for a 75cl bottle) of appellation sparkling wines (excluding Champagne) and other main foreign wines sold in French to large retailers in 2019 (12 months. Ended in April)

Sources: Fanny Gauthier – InterLoire – Economic and studies department responsible – July 2019 – Chenin Blanc International Congress – Angers