The Loire Valley, long regarded for its elegance and diversity, has achieved a new milestone in 2024.
According to data from InterLoire and French Customs, Loire Valley wine exports reached EUR 200 million, their highest value in 24 years, marking a 5.9% increase compared to 2023. This surge is attributed primarily to the international appetite for premium wines, especially in the sparkling and white wine categories, which together accounted for 80% of total export value.
Chenin Blanc Leads the Charge
At the heart of this export boom lies the increasing global admiration for Chenin Blanc, the Loire’s flagship white grape. Renowned for its versatility and age-worthiness, Chenin Blanc has seen heightened demand particularly in North America and Northern Europe, where wine professionals and consumers alike are drawn to its balance of acidity, complexity, and value.
Key Markets and Rising Stars
Five countries—the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Canada—accounted for 70% of total export value in 2024. These core markets continued to show steady demand, with significant increases in both volume and value, especially in the U.S. and Germany.
Interestingly, some of the fastest-growing export destinations were non-traditional markets: the Baltic States, United Arab Emirates, Finland, and even Italy saw percentage gains, albeit from smaller bases. These emerging markets reflect a broadening international recognition of the Loire's quality and diversity.
Sparkling and White Wines Drive Growth
Sparkling wines—particularly Crémant de Loire—continue to capture attention abroad, with a 12% increase in export volume over the previous year. White wines followed with a 4% volume increase, supported by the popularity of appellations like Savennières, Vouvray, and Muscadet.
On the other hand, dry reds and rosés declined by 5%, and semi-dry rosés fell by 2%, indicating shifting consumer preferences or greater global competition in those categories.
Exports as a Strategic Pillar
In total, 55 million bottles were exported in 2024, representing 22% of all Loire wine sales, up 5% from 2023. Camille Masson, president of InterLoire, emphasized that exports have become a strategic engine for the region’s development. “These results bring us closer to the objectives of the Loire 2030 Plan, which aims to achieve 30% of wine sales through exports by the end of the decade,” she stated.
Loire's Rise Amid France's Overall Export Decline
In contrast to the Loire’s momentum, total French wine exports declined by 3% in value, reaching EUR 10.9 billion in 2024. As inflation and changing consumer behavior push buyers toward more affordable wines, the Loire has emerged as an attractive alternative to higher-priced Bordeaux and Champagne.
Despite the increase in export value, the Loire's average bottle price remains lower than that of other French regions. This combination of quality and value has become one of the Loire’s most powerful selling points, offering international buyers the opportunity to trade down in price without compromising on prestige or provenance.
Outlook: Momentum with Room for Growth
With steady gains in both volume and value, rising global recognition of grape varieties like Chenin Blanc, and a strong performance amid national headwinds, the Loire Valley is positioning itself as a rising star in France’s export landscape. If the current pace continues, the region is on track to meet or exceed its Loire 2030 export targets, affirming its role as one of the most dynamic and responsive wine regions in Europe today.
Source: Vinetur