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Dutch Wine Imports Slow in 2025 as Volumes Drop and Prices Rise

Wine imports into the Netherlands declined significantly between January and September 2025, reflecting a market correction driven by falling volumes and rising average prices.

According to Dutch customs data analyzed by the Organización Interprofesional del Vino de España (OIVE), total imports reached EUR 1,038.4 million, marking a 3.3% decrease in value compared to the same period in 2024.

The contraction was even more pronounced in volume terms. The Netherlands imported 265.3 million liters, representing a sharp 12.7% decline year-on-year.

Higher Average Prices Offset Volume Losses

Despite the downturn in volume, the average import price increased by 10.7%, reaching EUR 3.91 per liter. The price rise reflects a structural shift: imports fell much faster in volume than in value, pushing up the average price paid per liter.

This suggests either:

  • A move toward higher-value wines
  • Reduced purchases in lower-priced segments
  • Or general inflationary and cost pressures across the supply chain

Packaged Wines Dominate the Market

Packaged wines — including sparkling wines, bottled still wines, and Bag-in-Box formats — continue to dominate Dutch imports.

Between January and September 2025, the Netherlands imported:

  • 260.5 million liters
  • Valued at EUR 1,027.4 million

This segment saw a 3.2% decline in value and a 12.6% drop in volume. The average price of packaged wine rose by 10.7%, reaching EUR 3.94 per liter.

Medium-Term Trends

  • Value peak: 2023
  • Volume peak: 2021
  • Downward trend: 2024–2025

After years of steady expansion, Dutch bottled wine imports appear to be adjusting to softer consumption patterns and possibly more cautious retail purchasing strategies.

Bulk Wine: Smaller Share, Stronger Contraction

Bulk wine plays a relatively limited role in Dutch imports.

In the first nine months of 2025:

  • 4.9 million liters were imported
  • Total value reached EUR 11 million

This represents an 18.5% decline in volume and a 12.1% decrease in value compared to the same period in 2024.

However, the average bulk wine price increased by 8%, reaching EUR 2.26 per liter — again reflecting tighter supply-demand dynamics or higher production and logistics costs.

France Remains the Leading Supplier

By origin, France retains its position as the Netherlands’ top wine supplier in both value and volume.

  • EUR 296.5 million (-5.9%)
  • 63.2 million liters (-14.6%)

France’s decline mirrors the broader market contraction but confirms its dominant position.

Italy follows as the second-largest supplier:

  • EUR 175.5 million (-4.1%)
  • 43.5 million liters (-5.94%)

Spain ranks third by value, with exports totaling:

  • EUR 137.3 million (+0.1%)

Although Spain’s volume figure is not specified, its stable value performance suggests relative resilience compared to other major exporters.

In terms of volume, Germany ranks third, shipping:

  • 43.2 million liters (-22.4%)

Other key suppliers to the Dutch market include:

  • Belgium
  • Chile
  • South Africa
  • Portugal
  • The United States

A Market in Adjustment

The data indicates that the Dutch wine market is not collapsing but recalibrating. Lower import volumes, rising average prices, and declines among leading suppliers point toward:

  • More selective purchasing
  • Possible inventory correction
  • Pressure on entry-level segments
  • A gradual premiumization trend

For exporters, the Netherlands remains a crucial European hub, but 2025 signals a more competitive and price-sensitive environment.

Source: Vinetur

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