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Sales figures for French wooden barrels have returned to pre-coronavirus levels. In recent years, supply chain problems and smaller harvests in California and Australia have also depressed demand. From 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, the 57 members of the Fédération des tonneliers de France sold 685,000 barrels, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year. Turnover grew by 27 per cent to 556 million euros. France is the largest market, accounting for 33 per cent of the volume and 30 per cent of the value. It is followed by the USA with 29 per cent by volume and 31 per cent by value, Italy (7 per cent by volume and value), Spain (7 per cent by volume, 6 per cent by value) and Australia (5 per cent by volume, 6 per cent by value)
A year ago, the association, which represents 1,830 employees, warned of further price increases, as the French National Forestry Office (ONF) had reserved some of the high-quality timber for the sawmill industry and Ukraine had dropped out as an important supplier. "In two or three years, it is to be feared that the price of oak wood will no longer make it possible for some of our customers to store their wine in new barrels." In the meantime, more and more wine producers are using alternatives such as staves, wood chips, amphorae or larger wooden barrels to supplement the previous ageing in barriques.
(al / Source: Fédération des tonneliers de France)