The Moldovan wine industry has continued to expand in 2024, registering significant increases in both volume and value of exports.
Data for the first eight months of the year shows a strong performance, with total exports of viticultural products, both bulk and bottled, reaching impressive levels compared to the same period in 2023.
Total Wine Exports (Bulk & Bottled)
- Volume: 93.82 million liters, a 14% increase from 2023.
- Value: USD 147.35 million, a 22% rise year-over-year.
This growth highlights Moldova’s enhanced global market presence, with exports reaching 65 countries in 2024. Notably, the top 10 countries accounted for 82% of the total export value and 84% of the volume, indicating a strong focus on key markets.
Bottled Still Wines: A Steady Performer
Bottled still wines have performed robustly, both in terms of volume and value:
- Value: USD 51.7 million, a 10% increase.
- Volume: 21.6 million liters, a 6% rise.
- Average price: USD 1.79 per 0.75L bottle, marking a 3% increase.
This demonstrates growing global demand for Moldovan bottled wines, and the slight price increase reflects a positive shift toward higher quality and premium market positioning.
Bulk Wines: Minor Decline in Volume and Value
The bulk wine segment, while still contributing significantly to total exports, showed a slight decline:
- Value: USD 32.1 million, down 3% from 2023.
- Volume: 49.0 million liters, a 1% decrease.
- Average price: USD 0.66 per liter, which remains competitive.
The modest decline may be due to a shift in global wine trends, with more markets opting for bottled wines, known for higher quality and branding opportunities.
Sparkling Wines: Exceptional Growth
Moldova’s sparkling wine exports have seen remarkable growth in both value and volume, outpacing other wine categories:
- Value: USD 4.3 million, an impressive 37% increase.
- Volume: 1.5 million liters, reflecting a 21% rise.
- Average price: USD 2.11 per 0.75L bottle, a 14% increase.
This surge underscores the growing popularity of Moldovan sparkling wines in international markets, supported by competitive pricing and a rising reputation for quality.
Dessert Wines: Modest Growth Despite Volume Decline
Dessert wines showed a minor increase in value, although volume slightly contracted:
- Value: USD 2.6 million, up 1% from 2023.
- Volume: 0.938 million liters, a 4% decrease.
- Average price: USD 2.07 per 0.75L bottle, a 5% increase.
The growth in average price reflects a steady demand for Moldovan dessert wines, despite the reduction in export volume. This could signal a focus on more premium offerings within this category.
Strategic Focus and Future Potential
Moldova’s wine export strategy is evidently focused on maintaining and growing its presence in key international markets while diversifying into higher-value wine categories, such as sparkling and bottled wines. The sustained increases in both volume and value, particularly for bottled still and sparkling wines, signal a strong future for Moldovan wines on the global stage.
The decline in bulk wine exports may indicate a shift toward higher-margin bottled products, aligning with global trends toward premiumization in the wine industry. Moldova’s competitive pricing and strong presence in 65 countries give it a solid foundation to continue this growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova