France's wine production expected to hit 30-year low this year due to heatwave
Commodity
France's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Food Sovereignty predicted on the 7th that wine production in 2026 will fall 6% year-on-year to 33.9 million hectoliters, equivalent to about 4.5 billion standard bottles. This marks the third consecutive year of decline, and due to damage from extreme heat and drought, it is expected to be the lowest level in 30 years. Compared to the average of 2021-25, it will be down 17%. France recorded its highest temperatures ever this year, and most producers began harvesting unusually early. France is the world's second-largest wine producer after Italy, and ranks first in export value. In addition to weather problems, consumption has fallen to its lowest level in over 60 years due to the impact of last year's US tariffs, changing consumer preferences, and health concerns. Champagne production is expected to fall 49% year-on-year, and be 47% below the five-year average.
