According to data from French Customs, the value of French wine exports hit a record high of $7.7 billion in 2012 and has continued to climb into 2013. The data suggests that French wines sales have recovered after a sharp drop in 2009 because of the global economic downturn. The recovery is due largely to strong sales in the premium wine sector combined with strong demand from Asian markets. Between 2009 and 2012 French wine exports to Asia grew by 30% annually compared to 6% in Europe, and in 2012 Asia accounted for 27% of total French wine sales as compared to 17% in 2009. China is the largest Asian French wine customer accounting for 41% of high-end French wine sales. Although the UK remains France’s number one export market, volumes shipped to China have doubled in the past four year making it the second biggest wine market for France.
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