In the first month of 2026, Moldova’s wine sector recorded a complex performance in international markets.
According to ONVV data extracted from SIA ASYCUDA, total exports of vitivinicultural products (bulk and bottled combined) reached 8,455,863 liters, marking a 30% decrease in volume compared to the same period in 2025.
However, the decline in physical volume was not mirrored proportionally in value terms. Export revenues amounted to USD 14,308,595, reflecting only a 6% decrease year-on-year.
This gap between volume contraction and moderate value decline signals an important structural shift: Moldova is exporting less wine — but at better average prices.
Geographic Reach and Market Concentration
Between January and June 2026, Moldovan wine was exported to 35 countries worldwide. Yet, the export landscape remains highly concentrated:
- The top 10 markets account for 89% of total export value
- And 90% of total exported volume
This concentration highlights both the strength of Moldova’s key markets and the vulnerability associated with limited diversification.
Still Wines: Pressure on Volume, Growth in Pricing
Still wines remain the backbone of Moldova’s wine exports.
- Total value: USD 8.6 million (-15%)
- Total volume: 6.7 million liters (-35%)
Bottled Still Wines
- USD 4.4 million (-7%)
- 1.5 million liters (-20%)
- Average price: USD 2.11 per bottle (+16%)
Bulk Still Wines
- USD 4.2 million (-22%)
- 5.1 million liters (-38%)
- Average price: USD 0.82 per liter (+26%)
The data clearly shows that while bulk exports declined sharply in volume, pricing improved significantly. Bottled wines also recorded a meaningful increase in average bottle price, indicating better positioning or inflation-adjusted corrections.
Sparkling Wines: Bottled Segment Under Pressure
Sparkling wines, exported entirely in bottled format during this period, generated:
- USD 0.271 million (-4%)
- 0.059 million liters (-36%)
- Average price: USD 3.42 per bottle (+51%)
Although volume dropped significantly, the strong rise in average price suggests premiumization or improved export pricing strategy.
Liqueur Wines: The Unexpected Performer
Liqueur wines delivered one of the most impressive performances:
- Total value: USD 0.831 million (+67%)
- Total volume: 0.371 million liters (+26%)
Bottled liqueur wines doubled in value and volume (+108%), while bulk liqueur wines declined. This indicates strong demand for finished, higher-value products.
Divin (Brandy): Solid Growth Driver
Divin (Moldovan brandy) emerged as a key growth engine:
- Total value: USD 4.6 million (+32%)
- Total volume: 1.3 million liters (+28%)
Both bottled and bulk segments contributed to growth, confirming sustained international demand.
Conclusion
The first half of 2026 confirms a strategic transition for Moldova’s wine industry:
- Lower export volumes
- Higher average prices
- Stronger performance in bottled and premium categories
- Growing role of Divin and liqueur wines
The numbers suggest not a crisis, but a recalibration toward value over volume — a necessary shift in today’s global wine market.
Source: Wine of Moldova