The main conclusions of the report:

• The world wine market is expected to grow, posting an increase of 3.5% by 2018*, with the United States remaining the main growth driver
• The US has the 5th largest wine-growing area and is the 4th largest market in production terms, behind Italy, France and Spain
• California produces the lion’s share (90%) of wines produced in the US
• French wines remain the undisputed leaders in the US top-end segment and rosé wine market

“The US is both a producer and consumer in the wine market. With 419,000 hectares, the United States boasts the 5th largest wine-producing area in the world and produces 22 million hectolitres, which makes it the world’s 4th largest market in terms of production,” underlined Benoit Léchenault, Head of Agrifrance, adding: “Prospects are very favourable in the United States for French wines, which set a benchmark in the market. Despite stiff competition, French products enjoy a number of advantages.”

Consumption by, and imports into, the USA

Worldwide, one bottle of wine in four is consumed outside its country of origin, but – in contrast to New Zealand, Australia and Chile, countries which export 60% of their wine – the United States consumes 80% of its own production. Since 2013 the US has been the world’s leading wine-drinking country, consuming 31 million hectolitres in 2015, i.e. 13% of global consumption. Next comes France with 11%, followed by Italy and Germany, each with 9%, and China with 7%.

Top-end wines increasingly popular with US consumers; French wine remains a benchmark

While French vineyards are losing ground to new-world producers and French wine-growers continue to face many challenges, France nevertheless remains an undisputed leader in the US top-end segment (premium and ultra-premium) and in the rosé market. The United States is the top customer for France’s Provence region, buying 36% of wine exports from the region.

Italy is still the number one wine supplier to the United States, with 28% of volume and 31% of value. However, France, with only 11.6% of volume, enjoys an excellent image and remains a benchmark for top-end wines. France ranks second on market share by value, with 29%.

* ISWR-Vinexpo 2015 report