China wields increasing power in world wine market: study

PARIS (AFP) -- The global wine market grew almost 11 percent last year as China not only drank more wine but also produced more, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) said Monday.

In a market worth 28.3 billion euros ($32 billion) in 2015, France remains by far the largest exporter in terms of market share value, with 29 percent, equivalent to 8.2 billion euros.

But France only ranks third in volume of exports, at 14 million hectoliters, reflecting the high quality of its wines which fetch higher prices than its competitors.

Spain is the world’s biggest exporter by volume with 24 million hectoliters but has slipped to third place in terms of market share value because of the relatively low price per unit.

Italy is now the world’s second-largest exporter at 20 million hectoliters, with a market share value of 5.3 billon euros, the OIV said.

China though is playing an increasing role in fueling global growth both in consumption and production.

The world’s biggest tipplers are Americans, drinking 31 million hectoliters last year. Chinese drinkers consumed 16 million hectoliters, up from 15.5 million in 2014.

Furthermore, while other countries slightly reduced production, China increased the amount of land given over to vineyards by 34,000 hectares in the space of a year.

“China remains the main driver of growth in the global wine industry,” OIV director general Jean-Marie Aurand told a press conference in Paris.