Let’s drink less and less in France. The purchases of spirits fell again in France in 2024, 2.6% in volume, at a time when exports also worth, a balance of the sector said on Thursday, which asks the state of “stability”, in particular taxes.
All types of distribution networks, large areas, wines merchants, coffee shops, tax free … are worried, said the French federation of spirits (FFS), which cites customs data.
Large and medium surfaces have sold 247 million liters of these distilled alcohols in at least 15%, a 3.8% decrease compared to 2023 and a fourth consecutive year of decrease, according to Nielsen IQ. This is the first value drop since 2018, to -3.6% (4.9 billion euros).
Traditional whiskeys and anisos, more than half of sales in supermarkets, continue their decline, as well as “premium” brands, when “holidays” (White Alcohols) resists better, the FFS analyzes. The trend is also negative for rums and cognac that the French have rejected for years.
Identical trends for coffees and restaurants, with 20.8 million liters, 2%lower, far from the bounce after covid. This withdrawal is partly explained by an unfavorable climate of 2024, says the FFS, which designates the “great winner” of Spritz with +32% in value.
A trend that continues
The sector finds that in fact it is a “trend investment.”
“Either an average consumption, consumption of men, women, older, younger, moderate consumption or excessive consumption, all indicators have dropped. For some time (…) we have non -absolute consumers, who do not drink a fall, neither at home or at a framework of condivence, and which, and this represents 15%,” he added.
The situation in the sector is complicated by the decrease in export, which represents half of the value it emits. The export fell 12% value in 2023, then 6.5% in 2024. And “during the first four months of the year, we are at -7.5%,” according to Thomas Gauthier, while the sector is waiting in the next few days of decisions related to commercial disputes with China as with the United States.
In this context, the sector requires fiscal and regulatory “stability”, when the French government seeks to complete its budget.
Source: BFM TV
