“The consumption of organic wines is increasing”: a positive outlook for winegrowers gathered in Montpellier at the Millésime Bio trade fair

Le salon professionnel réunira 1 500 exposants issus de 16 pays producteurs. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

As Millésime Bio opens its doors in Montpellier from January 27 to 29, both in terms of surface area and sales, the organic vineyard of Occitanie confirms its status as a national leader.

In a context of severe wine crisis in France, organic wine is hardly affected by the crisis. “While overall wine consumption is declining in France, that of organic wine is increasing. Furthermore, even if climatic hazards have impacted yields in 2024, organic wine continues to generate enthusiasm among winegrowers“, notes Nicolas Richarme, president of SudVinBio, the interprofessional association of producers and marketers of organic wines in Occitanie.

At the origin of the creation in 1993 of the Millésime Bio trade fair, SudVinBio has succeeded in making this event in Hérault the largest gathering and the largest marketplace in the world for organic wines and spirits. For this 32nd edition, 1,500 exhibitors, 18% of whom are new, from sixteen producing countries, will be gathered at the exhibition center in Montpellier.

The largest group of “troops” comes from Occitanie (502 exhibitors). In addition to the geographical location of the show, the weight of organic viticulture on a national scale and its economic results also explain the large number of Occitan winegrowers.

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Increase in surface areas…

With 58,808 hectares of vines in organic farming or in conversion in 2023, or more than 34% of French vines, Occitanie remains the largest vineyard in France, well ahead of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in second place with its 34,787 ha, and Paca in third place with its 32,867 ha.

While organic production areas, all crops combined, recorded a decline for the first time in France in 2023 (-1.92%), those dedicated to viticulture remained stable in Occitanie and increased by 1.6% nationally.

The attractiveness of the sector is also reflected in 298 additional organic producers in France, half of which are in installation, the other half in conversion. Of the 12,022 producers, 3,397 are established in Occitanie, or a little over a quarter of French winegrowers. These regional figures could still increase in light of the results.

… and sales increase

Whether in terms of turnover or volumes, the indicators are also on the rise, in a context of sluggish consumption of organic products in France. “Our sector stands out positively with growth of 7% in value (€1.57 billion, 72% of which is achieved by private wineries) and 6% in volume (2.67 million hectoliters) in 2023“, indicates Jeanne Fabre, president of the show.

All organic wine distribution channels in France, with the exception of mass distribution, are progressing: 37.1% for export; 31.3% for direct sales; 11.4% for wine merchants and 8.8% for CHR (cafes, hotels, restaurants). However, it remains to transform the test with mass distribution where organic wines are still insufficiently represented. “Mass distribution is still not a distribution channel for organic wines, but it should not be neglected if we want to sell all our volumes. We therefore have room for improvement“, concludes Nicolas Richarme.

New consumer trends

Faced with a growing demand for diversified and innovative products, the Millésime Bio trade fair is dedicating a specific area to wines made from resistant grape varieties (souvignier gris, muscaris, floreal, artaban, etc.), chosen for their adaptation to climate change. This is the big new feature this year. One question remains: will they win the votes of consumers ?

Another trend that is gaining momentum: no-low wines, i.e. wines without alcohol or with a low alcohol content. According to the Sowine/Dynata barometer, published in 2023, 29% of French people consume no-low wines. And among them, 45% are between 18 and 25 years old. The growing interest of consumers in these wines, sought after to reduce alcohol consumption and take care of one's health, has not escaped the organic sector. The show has therefore decided to expand its offer with spaces dedicated to these alcohol-free drinks.