The first six months of 2025 reveal a complex dynamic in Moldova’s wine export performance.
Total export volume dropped by 10%, but the decline in value was limited to 5%, pointing to a gradual transition from volume-driven to value-driven exports. Moldova exported 64.3 million litres of wine between January and June 2025, generating a revenue of USD 104.4 million, according to official trade statistics.
This marks a strategic inflection point for Moldova’s wine industry as it copes with market volatility and global supply chain adjustments by focusing on premiumisation, bottled formats, and diversified product categories.
General Export Indicators (Jan–June 2025)
- Export volume: 64,311,995 litres (–10% YoY)
- Export value: USD 104,437,877 (–5% YoY)
- Markets reached: 61 countries
- Top 10 markets: Represent 81% of total export value and 83% of total volume
While the number of export markets increased slightly, the concentration in the top 10 countries remains high, indicating continued reliance on a narrow group of buyers.
Performance by Wine Type
1. Bottled Still Wines (Vinuri liniștite îmbuteliate)
- Value: USD 41.5 million (+7% YoY)
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Volume: 16.3 million litres (–0.8% YoY)
This segment confirms a clear upward trend in value per litre. Even with marginal volume decline, revenue grew—suggesting increasing demand for higher-quality bottled wines.
2. Bulk Still Wines (Vrac vinuri liniștite)
- Value: USD 25.2 million (+3% YoY)
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Volume: 35.1 million litres (–7% YoY)
The bulk segment remains vital in terms of volume but is losing ground. The drop in quantity coupled with a slight value increase hints at price adjustments and changing global demand.
3. Sparkling Wines (Vinuri spumante)
- Value: USD 3.1 million (+17% YoY)
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Volume: 1.0 million litres (–3% YoY)
Sparkling wine continues to show double-digit growth in value, supported by Moldova’s expanding presence in lifestyle and celebratory wine markets, especially in Europe.
4. Dessert Wines (Vinuri de desert)
- Value: USD 3.1 million (+68% YoY)
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Volume: 1.1 million litres (+66% YoY)
Once considered a niche, dessert wines are becoming a growth engine, likely fueled by renewed consumer interest and successful branding in specific export destinations.
Geographic Distribution
- Europe: 57%
- CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States): 25%
- Americas: 11%
- Asia: 4%
- Africa: 4%
Europe continues to dominate as the primary market, though the CIS remains a major player. The Americas account for a smaller share but offer growth potential, especially for premium categories. The spread across 61 countries suggests improved global visibility, yet the dominance of the top 10 markets keeps Moldova’s export portfolio somewhat vulnerable.
Strategic Insights
- Premiumisation in Action: Bottled still wine’s 7% increase in value—despite a drop in volume—shows Moldova’s upward movement in global value chains.
- Efficiency in Bulk Wine Sales: Although volume declined, the positive revenue figure suggests Moldova is maintaining competitiveness in large-format supply contracts.
- Growth Beyond Tradition: Sparkling and dessert wines are expanding Moldova’s brand image beyond its still wine heritage.
- Export Dependency: Moldova remains dependent on a handful of countries, emphasizing the need for new trade partnerships and brand awareness in underdeveloped markets.
Conclusion
Moldova’s wine export performance in the first half of 2025 reflects a transitional phase. While overall volume dropped significantly, the smaller decrease in export value shows promise. Moldova is increasingly succeeding in selling more value-added, premium products rather than competing solely on volume. With strong growth in bottled, sparkling, and dessert wines, and a slowly expanding market footprint, Moldova’s wine industry is showing signs of resilience and smart adaptation in a shifting global landscape.
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova