The wine bar market - France

The global wine market experienced a decline due to the health crisis. However, the market is expected to recover, projecting growth up to US$ 444.93 billion by 2027. French wine consumption follows this downward trend. Despite this, France remains a leading wine exporter, with exports valued at 8.7 billion euros in 2020, primarily to Germany (17%), the UK (13%), the US (12%), and Belgium (9%). The consumption of foreign wines in France has significantly increased, with nearly half of the population consuming them occasionally. Additionally, wine bars, which offer a diverse and convivial experience, continue to rise in popularity amidst stiff competition from other themed bars and a general decline in conventional wine consumption routines.

French Wine Bar Market Dynamics and Consumer Trends

As the appreciation for fine wines and specialized tasting experiences continues to grow within France, the wine bar market has seen a rapid development, particularly in urban areas. While traditionally more prevalent in wine-producing regions thanks to the surge in wine tourism, wine bars are now finding their way into rural locations as well. Offering a convivial atmosphere where both amateurs and enthusiasts can sample a diverse range of original wines, wine bars have become a hotspot for those seeking both an educational and enjoyable wine experience.

The market for wine bars in France is part of the larger global wine market, which, despite experiencing a decrease due to the health crisis, was valued at around 326.6 billion US dollars in 2020. When narrowing the focus to France, the demand for wine bars appears to be growing.

The French National Federation of Independent Wine Merchants reported a significant number of mixed beverage outlets, including wine bars, which contributed 396 million euros to the turnover. The number of drinking establishments also saw an increase of around 25%, indicative of a proliferating interest in such social venues. Despite the setbacks of 2020 causing a decline in sector turnover, the trajectory suggests an upward growth curve once normality resumes. In terms of consumer behavior, French wine drinkers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with a notable rise in those identifying as enlightened wine lovers – jumping from 35% to more than 50% in 2020. This shift is reflected in the growing frequency of wine consumption, where "heavy consumers" of wine, those who partake one to several times a week, have grown to represent half of the French wine-drinking population.

Despite this progress, there's been a structural decline in wine consumption over the long term. From the sizable average personal consumption of over 120 liters to just around 35 liters per person, this reduction indicates a changing relationship with wine – transitioning from a staple to a more occasional, celebratory beverage. The dynamic nature of the French wine bar market is also affected by competition on multiple fronts. Other forms of wine distribution, such as supermarkets and direct sales, as well as various other themed bars and restaurants, create a highly competitive environment. 

The Prominent Vanguards in the Wine Bar Market

Navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of wine bars, certain trailblazers have carved out their unique niches, contributing to the richness of this specialty market. From the flights of prestigious labels to the measured pours of regional gems, here are the main actors that have made a remarkable impact on the wine bar industry.

• N5 Wine Bar : Based in Toulouse, N5 Wine Bar is not just a locale for oenophiles but a beacon of excellence in the international wine bar scene. Crowned as the best wine bar in Europe and the world, N5 not only offers a curated selection of fine wines but has also expanded its brand through an eponymous franchise. Prospective franchisees are lured by the promise of renown, rigorous training, and the opportunity to replicate N5's successful model – one that harmonizes the upscale pleasures of carefully crafted tapas with accessible pricing.
  
  
• Nicolas : As a venerated institution in the French wine retail sector, Nicolas has been an influential player with nearly five hundred stores strewn across France and Europe. Owned by the Castel Group, Nicolas has been at the forefront of innovation, transforming select stores into hybrid spaces that double as wine bars, inviting patrons to revel in the very products they can take home. Their significant presence is a testament to their deep roots in wine culture and their agility in adapting to changing consumer tastes.
  
  
• The Wine Merchants Union : Representing the vast network of wine shops, the Professional Wine Merchants Union underscores the sector's vitality. Wine shops, which account for 30% of the wine market share in France, have grown innovative in their approach. Many have embraced the concept of wine bars within their retail spaces, providing customers with tasting experiences and enriching the traditional wine purchasing journey.
  
  
• Castel Group : The family-owned Castel Group is a titan within the wine industry, exerting considerable influence with their vast portfolio of brands. As France's leading wine company in terms of revenue, Castel's dominance extends to wine bars, where their extensive range of labels is often featured, showcasing the company's prowess in both production and distribution.
  
  
• FranceAgriMer : Although not a direct player in the wine bar market, FranceAgriMer's insights into the wine industry offer valuable data. Their research helps bar owners make informed decisions about their offerings, as FranceAgriMer reports on production, consumption patterns, and wine trade dynamics.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/03/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• World wine production
• Evolution of wine consumption
• Size of the world wine market
• Number of drinking establishments
• Turnover of drinking establishments
• Evolution of wine exports in volume and value
• Evolution of wine imports in volume and value
• Exports by destination in volume market share
• Imports by supplier country in market share by volume
• Wine Consumers by Gender
• Wine knowledge of men
• Women's wine knowledge
• Women's wine consumption and knowledge
• Wine knowledge by place of origin
• French interest in the world of wine
• Percentage of French people who say they are enlightened amateurs
• Share of heavy wine consumers
• Share of non-consumers of wine
• Wine consumption by country
• Annual wine consumption per person
• La consommation de vin par personne dans les principaux pays consommateurs
• Preference of the French for wine or beer
• Frequency with which the French go to a bar
• Contexts in which the French consume wine
• French consumption of foreign wines
• The origin of the most consumed foreign wines
• Breakdown of alcoholic beverage sales volume
• Geographical location of wine bars
• Distribution of the vineyard area by country
• Structure of still wine production
• Wine production in the top ten producing countries
• Methods used by wine bar managers to choose the wine they offer on their menu
• Breakdown of wine sales by distribution channel
• Consumer price index for wine consumed in cafés
• Regions from which French wines are offered in wine bars according to the managers
• Countries of origin of the foreign wines offered in the wine bars according to the managers
• Distribution of wine sales by color in wine bars
• Main nationalities of foreign wine tourists
• Preferred regions for wine tourists