Cognac export revenues slid more than 10% in 2024, primarily due to the challenges the sector is facing in China, trade-body figures show.

Exports to China – said to be the biggest market for Cognac by value and the second-largest by volume – declined as the local economy struggled and Beijing imposed anti-dumping measures on European brandy exports.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

According to trade association the BNIC, global shipments inched up 0.4% in volume terms to 166 million bottles.

However, the value of these exports dropped 10.6% to “nearly” €3bn, the BNIC said.

The discrepancy between volume and value was attributed to a 13.7% rise in shipments of younger Cognacs. The shipments of VSOP and XO declined by 8.6% and 26.4% respectively.

The downturn in the aged Cognacs came amid Beijing’s decision to introduce anti-dumping measures on brandy from the EU.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

In 2024, exports to China totalled 28.97m bottles, down 9.6%. Value sales decreased 23.8%.

In the NAFTA region, Cognac shipments grew by 15.3% in volume to 70.6m bottles, Value sales fell 1.5% to €1.12bn.

Cognac shipments to Europe fell 3.8% to 31.6m bottles. Value sales, however, rose 4.4% to €461m.

The BNIC said Cognac exporters saw “a strong increase” in sales to the UK, the fifth-largest export market for the region.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Drinks Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving beverage industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now