Despite global economic headwinds and shifting consumption patterns, Moldovan wine exports have shown notable resilience in the first four months of 2025.
According to newly released trade data by ONVV, Moldova exported 45.16 million litres of wine between January and April—a marginal decrease of 1% compared to the same period in 2024. Export value totaled USD 69.54 million, representing a 3% decline year-over-year.
While the aggregate figures hint at stagnation, a deeper analysis reveals shifting trends across wine categories, export formats, and target markets.
Export Overview by Volume and Value
- Volume: 45,157,991 litres (–1% YoY)
- Value: USD 69,543,720 (–3% YoY)
- Countries exported to: 54
- Top 10 export destinations: Account for 82% of total value and 83% of total volume
Category Performance: Winners and Laggards
1. Bottled Still Wines
- USD 26.8 million (+5% YoY)
-
10.6 million litres (–2% YoY)
While volume dropped slightly, higher average prices and a value increase indicate strong positioning in premium segments.
2. Bulk Still Wines
- USD 17.9 million (+17% YoY)
-
25.5 million litres (+8% YoY)
Bulk wine remains a strategic asset, gaining both volume and value, likely driven by competitive pricing and steady demand from large-scale bottlers abroad.
3. Sparkling Wines
- USD 2.1 million (+13% YoY)
-
0.73 million litres (+6% YoY)
This segment shows consistent growth as Moldovan sparkling wines gain popularity, particularly in celebratory and lifestyle-driven markets.
4. Dessert Wines
- USD 2.2 million (+66% YoY)
-
0.81 million litres (+65% YoY)
A standout performer, dessert wines experienced the highest growth rates, suggesting a resurgence in niche demand or successful promotional campaigns.
Geographic Distribution of Exports
Moldova continues to rely heavily on traditional and emerging markets, with the European continent absorbing 56% of exports:
- Europe: 56%
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): 24%
- Americas: 12%
- Asia: 4%
- Africa: 4%
The diversified market presence demonstrates Moldova's efforts to expand beyond its historical dependency on the CIS and Russia. However, the top 10 countries still dominate, highlighting potential over-concentration risk in a few markets.
Strategic Insights
- The increase in value for bottled wines despite lower volume underscores a move towards quality and brand premiumisation.
- Bulk exports are growing robustly, reflecting Moldova’s strong capacity and competitiveness in large-volume production.
- The sparkling and dessert wine categories show high growth potential, indicating changing consumer preferences or successful brand repositioning in select export destinations.
- Continued market diversification remains essential to mitigate geopolitical and economic risks tied to major importers.
Conclusion
Moldova’s wine industry continues to navigate a challenging global environment with a strategy balancing tradition and innovation. The first four months of 2025 indicate both resilience and emerging growth opportunities—especially in higher-value segments like dessert and sparkling wines. For stakeholders, understanding these shifting dynamics will be critical to sustain growth and enhance Moldova’s image as a competitive and quality-driven wine producer on the international stage.
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova