As New Year festivities recede in the rearview mirror, spare a thought for the embattled spirits producers of France, as a year of political and economic uncertainty stretches ahead.Overseas, these spirits brand owners look set to encounter US tariffs from the Donald Trump presidency, while brandy/cognac suppliers face the continued fallout from China’s anti-dumping measures on EU brandy imports as well as sluggish trading conditions across Asia. At home, 2024 was a year of significant political upheaval in France, with President Emmanuel Macron’s government facing social unrest, economic
Ailing spirits clings to rays of light in France amid bleak outlook – Market Intel
While most spirits categories will face volume declines in France this year, falling inflation and growing interest in domestically-sourced whiskies, rhum arrangé and cocktails are set to lighten the gloom.

Joe has been a business journalist for over 20 years, specialising in the drinks, aviation and Global Travel Retail sectors; Duty-Free News International, IWSR Magazine, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine, among others.



