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ORGANIC WINE, A GROWING MARKET

Organic Wine: A Growing Market in France and Worldwide

The demand for wine around the world is constantly increasing. However, the consumption of conventional wines is declining. The reason? The organic trend that is also taking the wine industry by storm. Organic wine production, which should not be confused with biodynamics or natural wines, involves limiting the use of chemical pesticides during grape cultivation and minimizing the number of additives during winemaking. This label, awarded by the Agence Bio, is obtained by strictly adhering to precise specifications. Why is there such enthusiasm for organic wine? Where do we stand in France and worldwide? Let's take a closer look at a production and consumption trend that seems destined to stay.

Reasons for This Growth

The primary reasons for the emergence of this promising market are the growing appetites of consumers. In recent years, the effects of chemical products and other unnatural additives on the body have been studied and publicized. Consumers are thus concerned about their health, and the organic label serves as a reassuring sign of a better choice for their bodies. It's not just about health but also about the environment. Similarly, the consequences of agriculture heavy in herbicides, sulfates, and other aggressive pesticides are well-known. More and more consumers are putting their money where their values are and opting for organic products, even if it means a slight additional cost.

No organic wine without organic vineyards. However, converting a vineyard to organic farming is complicated for a winegrower. Obtaining the organic label takes time (an average of three years), administrative effort to meet the label's precise specifications, and lower yields during the conversion period. Many winegrowers take the plunge because this new demand represents an opportunity. Firstly, a business opportunity due to the growing size and value of the organic wine market. Secondly, a marketing opportunity because the market, being smaller than conventional wine, offers more visibility to the winegrower.

But it's not just an economic issue. Many winegrowers witness the devastating effects of herbicides and sulfates or sulfites in high doses and are concerned about respecting the environment and their terroirs, without which their vines could not thrive.

Sustained Growth in France

This enthusiasm from producers and consumers is reflected in the numbers. With slightly more than one hectare in ten of vineyards cultivated organically, France is the third-largest producer of organic wine, behind Spain and Italy. The most proactive wine regions are those with naturally favorable conditions. Thus, Languedoc accounts for more than thirty percent of French organic wine production, followed closely by Provence, which represents twenty percent of organic vineyard area.

In 2019, the market saw another twenty percent growth, reaching a volume of 1.5 billion euros! This trend is likely to continue as French consumers are very keen. According to a survey by Agence Bio and OpinionWay, one in two French consumers would like to see more organic options when purchasing wine. This fact has not gone unnoticed by supermarkets, whose orders are increasing in volume.

Strong Growth Worldwide

French organic wine production is primarily intended for local consumption. However, this is not the case for all organic wine-producing countries like Spain and Italy, which dedicate a large portion to export. Consequently, the list of the largest consumers of organic wine differs. Germany, France, the UK, and the US are the biggest consumers of organic wines, in that order. The global organic wine market is growing at an average annual rate of fourteen percent. This market currently accounts for between three and four percent of the global wine market, generating over three billion euros in revenue.