Occitanie Invests One Million Euros to Launch Real-Time Wine Market Observatory by 2026

The Occitanie region in southern France has approved a budget of one million euros over three years to establish an economic observatory for wine markets. The decision was made on October 3, following requests from the local wine industry. The observatory is part of a sector agreement signed in 2024 and will be coordinated by the regional chamber of agriculture. It is expected to become operational at the beginning of 2026.

The main goal of the observatory is to collect, share, and analyze economic data related to wine production, consumption, and market trends. This information will be distributed to industry operators in near real-time. By providing up-to-date data, the platform aims to help producers and businesses in the region adjust their output to meet demand in both domestic and export markets. The hope is that better information will lead to higher added value for local producers.

According to Francis Cabaud, who oversees the wine sector for the region, about 65 percent of the observatory’s budget will go toward acquiring data. The platform is already being developed and is receiving input from seven interprofessional organizations representing wines with protected designations of origin (AOP) and protected geographical indications (IGP). It will also include data on wines without geographical indication, sourced from FranceAgriMer, a national agricultural agency.

Magali Jelila, director of the Union of Southern Wine Companies (UEVM) and coordinator of the project, said that this is a collective effort designed to benefit everyone in the sector. She noted that while there are already some tools for tracking market data, they are incomplete. The new observatory aims to provide comprehensive coverage.

Denis Carretier, president of the regional chamber of agriculture, said that the observatory will support innovation by identifying new product opportunities and expected market volumes. He added that it will help develop both national and export sales strategies, which are necessary for building a competitive, resilient, and sustainable wine industry in Occitanie.

In addition to launching the observatory, the region has reopened a call for expressions of interest to support pilot territories working toward greater resilience. Three areas—the Lot vineyards, Armagnac, and eastern Aude—have already been selected since last year. The call remains open until January 2, 2026. The Gard and Gascony regions are considered likely candidates for future participation.

The creation of this observatory reflects ongoing efforts in Occitanie to modernize its wine industry and respond more effectively to changing market conditions. By pooling resources and sharing information across different parts of the sector, regional leaders hope to strengthen their position in both French and international markets.