Business

Wines / spirit: export in fall of about 25 % in the first semestre

[AFP] French export of wines and spirits fell of about 25 % in the first semestre 2009 in comparison with the same period 2008 because of worldwide crisis, according to a press release of the Federation of the exporters of wines and spirits (FEVS) published on Thursday.

All types of wines and of spirit are affected by this come-down which attained 24,6 % - 3,28 thousand million euro over first six months of the year.
This result “lets predict one year 2009 in strong detachment” to attain a result close to that of 2004 (7,6 thousand million euro), according to FEVS.
This last bet however on the second semestre, in the course of which make generally the basics of sales, to limit fall over year to about 20 %.

Upmarket product, the champagne is particularly affected, in 41,1 % fall in volume and 45,2 % in value.
Wines move back strongly, as well in volume (10,5 %) as in value (19 %) in 1,8 thousand million euro. Wines AOC are the most affected, in 18,8 % fall in volume and of 24,2 % in value.
On the other hand, the products of entrance of range limit breakage. Wines of country are standing aside more moderate of 3,7 % in volume and of 0,6 % in value while wines of table are in 3,4 % reduction in volume but advance of 1,2 % in value.
Spirits are also in net detachment. In 917 million euro, they record a 17 % fall in volume and of 20,6 % in value. After years of strong growth, the Cognac falls of 28,4 % in volume and 26,6 % in value. Après des années de forte croissance, le Cognac chute de 28,4% en volume et 26,6% en valeur.

First market in the export, the United States are in " net detachment ", according to FEVS who does not announce figures.
In the European Union which represents the basics of the fall of export (29,7 % in value), the United Kingdom, main client, is in 20 % fall in volume and of 28,5 % in value.
Russia, " promising market ", is not either spared (-17,5 % in volume and 40,2 % in value). Except China and Hong Kong, all markets are in net fall.