Dutch imports of German wine grow by 13 percent

The Netherlands imported more than 71 million litres of German wine last year, an increase by 13 percent relative to 2007. Since the turn of the century, German wine imports have tripled. Total Dutch wine imports declined by 5 percent in 2008 too 402 million litres.

Dutch wine imports

France main supplier

Germany’s share in total Dutch wine imports has grown in recent years and stood at 18 percent last year, making Germany the second largest wine supplier to the Netherlands.

With a share of 31 percent, France is still easily the major wine supplier to the Netherlands, but its share is gradually diminishing. A decade ago, 47 percent of wine imported into the Netherlands came from France. 

Share Dutch wine imports from various other countries

Wine produced in the United Kingdom increasingly popular

With 14 million litres, 3.5 percent of total Dutch wine imports, the United Kingdom (UK) is also emerging as a wine-producing nation. Currently, wine imports from the UK are above the level of established wine-producing countries like Portugal and Argentina.   

Imports from non-European countries diminishing

Last year, the share of non-European wine-producing countries in total Dutch wine imports was nearly 3 percentage points down on 2007. This was predominantly caused by a considerable downturn in imports from the United States (US). Over 22 percent of wine imports comes from established wine-producing countries like Argentina, Chile, Australia, South Africa and the US.

Wine consumption levels out

Dutch consumption per capita has not risen in recent years. In 2008, the average annual consumption was 21.6 litres, approximately the same volume as in 2006 and 2007, but 3 litres more than in 1999.

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