Loire Valley wine exports reach 24-year high as global demand for sparkling and white wines surges

Exports of Loire Valley wines reached their highest value in 24 years in 2024, according to new data released by InterLoire and French customs. The region’s wine exports rose by 5.9% in value, totaling €200 million, a figure not seen since the year 2000. This growth comes as global demand increases for higher-value bottles, especially in the sparkling and white wine categories. Together, these two categories accounted for 80% of the Loire’s export value last year.

Chenin Blanc, a signature grape of the Loire Valley, was particularly popular among international buyers. The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Canada were the top five markets for Loire wines in 2024, representing 70% of total export value. While these countries remain key destinations, the strongest growth rates were recorded in markets where Loire wines have traditionally had a smaller presence. The Baltic States, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Finland all saw notable increases in imports from the region.

The volume of Loire wine exports also increased by 5% compared to 2023. In total, 55 million bottles were shipped abroad last year, making up 22% of all Loire wine sales. Camille Masson, president of InterLoire, described exports as a major driver for the sector’s growth. Masson highlighted that these results support the goals set out in the Loire 2030 plan, which aims to have exports account for 30% of total volumes by the end of the decade.

Sparkling and white wines led export growth by volume as well. Sparkling wine shipments rose by 12%, while white wines increased by 4%. In contrast, red wine exports dropped by 5%, and off-dry rosé fell by 2%. Dry rosé also saw a decline in volume. More than half of all exported bottles went to Germany, the US, and Belgium—markets that each experienced growth over the past year.

The strong performance of Loire Valley wines stands out against a broader decline in French wine exports overall. In 2024, total French wine exports fell by 3% to €10.9 billion as international consumers turned to less expensive options instead of premium Bordeaux and Champagne labels. Despite an increase in demand for higher-value Loire wines over the past two decades, these bottles generally remain more affordable than those from other major French regions.

Industry observers note that this combination of quality and relative affordability has helped Loire producers expand their reach abroad even as other French regions face challenges. The continued success of sparkling and white wines suggests that consumer preferences are shifting toward these styles on the global market. As producers look ahead to meeting their export targets for 2030, they are likely to focus on maintaining quality while exploring new opportunities in emerging markets.