The European Union saw a significant surge in its alcoholic beverage exports in 2024, totaling €29.8 billion, marking a 10.9% increase from €26.9 billion in 2019. This growth, reported by the EU statistics agency Eurostat on April 28, 2025, highlights the EU's strong position in the global market for alcoholic drinks.
Leading the charge, wine of fresh grapes—including fortified wines—dominated the export landscape, accounting for 56.2% of total exports, which translates to €16.8 billion. Spirits and liqueurs followed closely, making up 29.7% of the total at €8.9 billion. Beer contributed 11.5% (€3.4 billion), while cider, perry, mead, saké, and other fermented beverages represented 1.7% (€0.5 billion). The remaining category, vermouth and other wines flavored with plants or aromatics, accounted for 1.0% (€0.3 billion).
France emerged as the clear leader in alcoholic beverage exports, with a staggering €12.1 billion, or 41% of the total EU exports to countries outside the union. This figure was largely driven by wine, which constituted 66.7% (€8.1 billion) of its exports, alongside spirits and liqueurs, which made up 31.8% (€3.8 billion).
Italy followed as the second-largest exporter, with total exports reaching €6.0 billion, representing 20% of the EU total. The majority of Italy's exports were also wine-related, comprising 81.1% (€4.9 billion) of its total alcoholic beverage exports.
Spain and the Netherlands also played significant roles in the EU's export figures, with Spain exporting €2.5 billion (8% of the total), primarily in wine (€1.6 billion), and the Netherlands exporting €2.3 billion (also 8%), with beer being the main product at €1.3 billion.
As for destinations, the United States stood out as the largest importer of EU alcoholic beverages, with exports totaling €8.9 billion, which is 30% of the total. Of that, wine accounted for €4.9 billion, while spirits and liqueurs contributed €2.9 billion. The United Kingdom followed closely as the second-largest trade partner, with imports worth €4.9 billion (17% of the total), primarily wine (€3.3 billion).
China and Canada each imported €1.6 billion of EU alcoholic beverages in 2024, while Switzerland followed at €1.4 billion. Notably, the main export category to China was spirits and liqueurs, which made up 45% (€0.7 billion) of the total, while wine constituted 34% (€0.5 billion).
This robust performance in the alcoholic beverage sector underscores the EU's strong brand recognition and the global appetite for its products. The continued growth in exports reflects not only the quality and diversity of EU alcoholic beverages but also the strategic focus on key international markets.
As the industry looks to the future, the EU's ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics will be crucial. With increasing competition from non-EU countries, maintaining the growth trajectory will require innovation and marketing strategies that resonate with consumers worldwide.
In conclusion, the EU's alcoholic beverage export figures for 2024 not only highlight a thriving industry but also set the stage for future opportunities in global markets.
