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The world is going to hell: French people last year drank more beer than wine

Published: 30.07.2026

Ivo Kozarčanin
Ivo Kozarčanin
Bakhov Sin

According to data from the national brewers' association Brasseurs de France, the French consumed 22.1 million hectolitres of beer last year. According to an estimate by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), total wine consumption in the country—considered by many to be the world's premier wine nation—was 22.0 million hectolitres 

Last year, wine consumption in France was 3.2% lower than the previous year, placing the country second globally, behind the United States. Even more concerning is the fact that last year's consumption in France was a full 7.2% below the average of the past five years.

 

Habits have changed drastically

Beer was already the primary drink in the far north, near the Belgian border, while residents of other regions stuck to wine. Factors contributing to this shift—beyond price—include the rapid growth of craft brewing, lower costs, and beer's image among younger consumers.

 

Young people seek cheaper drinks

In addition to being more affordable, beer is perceived as a more casual choice. Below are lists of the ten countries with the highest total wine consumption and the ten with the highest per capita consumption, based on 2025 data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

 

Total wine consumption

(million hectoliters)

sad-mondavi-winery
Robert Mondavi is among the most famous American winemakers in the world

1. 

USA

31,9

 

2. 

France

22

 

3.

Italy

20,2

 

4. 

Germany

17,9

 

5.

UK

12,3

 

6. 

Spain

9,4

 

7. 

Russia

8

 

8.

Argentina

7,5

 

9. 

Portugal

5,6

 

10. 

Australia

5,3

 

 

Consumption per capita

(litre)

portugal-guinta-do-vesuvio-gaze-grozdje
Grape pressing for visitors at the Portuguese winery Quinta do Vesuvio

1. 

Portugal

62

 

2.

France

39,7

 

3.

Italy

38,6

 

4. 

Suisse

30,7

 

5.

Austria

30,4

 

6. 

Germany

24,6

 

7.

Australia

24,4

 

8. 

Spain

22,5

 

9.

Czech Republic

22,3

 

10. 

Romania

21,8