The latest trade figures highlighted contrasting fortunes in export sales for French wines and spirits during the first nine months of the year.
Wine exports were down 4% on the same period a year earlier with the Benelux, Japan and Germany being the worst hit markets. Sales were up 1.5% to the US.
The UK remains the biggest market for French wines despite a 5% dip over the period, the figures show.
Export sales of French spirits increased 5% on the first nine months of 2004 with US sales up 8% but demand weakened in Japan and Russia. Singapore moved in to second place behind the US among leading markets after a 13% leap in sales.
