Provence, Cognac Drive French Drinks Shipments To U.S. In First Half

After an impressive 15% gain in 2017, French wine and spirits exports to the United States slowed slightly in the first half of this year, with year-to-date shipments up 8% by volume through June, according to Business France, a French government agency. Cognac exports to the U.S. increased 10% in the six-month period, in spite of tightening supplies, while liqueur shipments rose 13% year-to-date and whiskies jumped 17%. Meanwhile, French vodka volume fell 2%. In wine, Champagne exports to the U.S. have declined 1% year-to-date, but still wine shipments showed solid results in the six months through June, led by Bordeaux (+2%), Burgundy (+11%), and Provence (+23%).—Juan Banaag

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