Spanish Wines Disappear From French Wine Shelves - For Now

Supermarkets in Occitanie are removing Spanish wines from their shelves—impacting primarily entry-level price ranges.

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In the south of France, some Spanish wines are being removed from supermarket shelves. (Photo: Argus/stock.adobe.com, edited)
In the south of France, some Spanish wines are being removed from supermarket shelves. (Photo: Argus/stock.adobe.com, edited)

Supermarkets in Occitanie, including Lidl and Intermarché, have removed Spanish wines from their shelves, replacing them with regional products. According to the industry platform Vitisphere, these decisions followed negotiations with unions and farmers’ associations.

The Hérault department’s FDSEA farmers’ union and Jeunes Agriculteurs praised this move as a “union victory for our local vineyards.” They noted that “inspections in stores and discussions with Lidl’s regional management” led to the delisting of Spanish wines in Occitanie. The measure primarily targets the entry-level price segment.

In exchange, efforts are being increased to “promote the consumption of regional wines,” supporting local producers.

Following negotiations with local agricultural associations, supermarket chain Intermarché has withdrawn promotional offers featuring Spanish wines to bolster local viticulture. For example, a promotion for a 10-litre boxes of Spanish Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah-Grenache rosé and Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon red, priced at €20.22 was removed from a recent flyer.

Vitisphere notes, however, that such high-profile actions benefit both parties and are likely to be temporary. This move comes amid the ongoing campaign for elections to the French Agricultural Chambers (January 15–31), with industry associations eager to demonstrate tangible results. Furthermore, the French Agricultural Show in Paris, taking place from February 22 to March 2, 2025, is fast approaching. Last year, the event saw unrest, and Lidl France will be present with its own booth.

Distribution of best-selling French-bottled Vin de la Communauté Européenne that include large volumes of Spanish bulk wine (of which France remains the biggest importer) is expected to continue.

 

 

 

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