(TDB) - Exports of French wine and spirits have risen by 12% to €6 billion in the first six months of the year, driven by a rebound in wine sales and the continued strong performance of Cognac, the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins & Spiritueux (FEVS) has revealed.

FEVS reported that wine exports rose by 13% in value to €4 billion, and by 5% in volume to 69 million cases, in the first six months of 2017, according to figures released last week.  All wine styles experienced a rise with sparkling wine up 10% in volume and 13% in value, and still wines up 5% in volume and 13% in value.

In the same period, spirits exports rose by 9% in value to €1.9 billion, and 3% in volume to 24 million cases, driven largely by a 14% (value) and 7% (volume) rise in Cognac exports. Conversely, vodka exports dropped sharply in the first six months of the year.

Exports to North America rose by 17% in value to €1.5 billion, while shipments to China, Hong Kong and Singapore increased by 18%. Exports to the European Union also experienced a modest rise of 6%, with a return to positive growth in the UK and Germany. Other notable increases include a 55% rise in exports to Russia.

This news comes after it was announced last month that exports of Cognac have risen for the third year in a row, reaching record levels for both volume and value, according to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC).