The Spanish Interprofessional Wine Organization (OIVE) has released its latest report analyzing Ireland’s wine imports during the first half of 2025, revealing solid growth in both value and volume, particularly in the sparkling wine segment.
According to the report, Ireland imported packaged wines worth EUR 165 million, marking an 8.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Imported volume rose 13.5% to 43.04 million liters, confirming a robust recovery in consumer demand. The bulk wine category continues to represent only a small share of the Irish market, amounting to EUR 1.27 million (≈ USD 1.34 million) and 0.29 million liters, though it recorded growth of 25.8% in value and 4.7% in volume.
By category, sparkling wine led the market expansion, with imports reaching EUR 16.7 million, a remarkable 34.9% increase over the previous year. Volume rose even more sharply by 58.9%, to 3.44 million liters. Despite this, the average price per liter fell by 15% to EUR 4.86, indicating a surge in lower-priced sparkling imports. Conversely, bulk wine reached an average price of EUR 4.37 per liter, 20.2% higher than last year, though its market share remains minimal.
Regarding supplier countries, France maintained its leadership position both in value and volume. French exports to Ireland totaled EUR 40.1 million, up 37.6% year-over-year, accounting for 24.1% of total imported value. Volume also nearly doubled, reaching 8.5 million liters. Chile ranked second with EUR 26 million (+1%) and 8.5 million liters (+8.8%), equaling France in volume but losing share in value due to slower growth. Italy followed closely with EUR 25.1 million (+18.4%) and 7.9 million liters (+15%).
Other notable suppliers included New Zealand with EUR 17.8 million and 3.4 million liters, and Spain with EUR 15.5 million and 3.3 million liters. New Zealand maintained the highest average price at EUR 5.29 per liter, followed by Spain (EUR 4.75) and France (EUR 4.71). Italy’s average price increased slightly to EUR 3.19, while Chile remained the most affordable major supplier at EUR 3.07 per liter.
The report underlines that the Irish wine market remains highly concentrated. France, Chile, and Italy collectively account for around 55% of the value and 58% of total imported volume, while the top five suppliers together represent nearly 75% of the market. France has notably strengthened its leadership, increasing its value share from 19% to 24% in one year. Chile retains its volume position but loses ground in value, and Italy improves its presence across both metrics.
Interestingly, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom appear among Ireland’s top ten wine suppliers by value, despite not being major producers — a phenomenon explained by re-exports and transit flows through these countries.
From a historical perspective, France has shown steady growth since 2020, surpassing Chile as Ireland’s leading wine supplier in 2021. Italy and New Zealand have also demonstrated consistent progress, while Chile and Spain have remained stable or slightly declined in recent years.
The average import price of packaged wine in Ireland decreased by 4.1% in early 2025, reaching EUR 3.83 per liter, reflecting competitive pricing and diversification in sourcing. Bulk wine, however, saw a price increase, while bag-in-box wines gained in value by 7.6%, suggesting a growing consumer inclination toward higher-quality formats.
Overall, the data highlights Ireland’s dynamic and evolving wine market, with France’s dominance reinforced, sparkling wines booming, and value-oriented imports shaping new consumption patterns.
Source: Vinetur