Consumption: wine, which the French prefer to beer and champagne.

The mano-mano between wine and beer continues. Regularly popular among the French, the intoxicating drink has recently become a favorite of French consumers, who prefer its freshness and variety.

However, according to a very recent 2024 barometer from the Dynata Institute, after two years of decline, “wine is once again the French spirit of choice for 60% of those surveyed.” (+5 points compared to 2023 results) “say Sylvain Dade and Marie Mascret, partners at the SoWine agency that commissioned the study.

Next on the list are champagne (39%), cocktails (31%), cider (21%) and spirits (21%). As a small precaution, the survey is “declarative” in nature and does not provide “market shares or box office information,” Marie Mascre immediately clarifies. However, because it has been conducted annually since 2010, it provides an opportunity to study the evolution of behavior over a longer period of time.

56% of women prefer it to beer

Two main facts explain wine’s revenge: “Gender bias and generational bias,” sums up Sylvain Dade. “Women contribute to its success as 56% (+7 points) prefer it to beer, and the latter remains the favorite drink of men – 72% (+7 points). »

A new phenomenon concerns the younger generation, among whom the attraction to wine is confirmed. “Among 18-25 year olds it is 6 points higher, and among 30 year olds (26-35 years old) it is more than 14 points,” notes Sylvain Dade.

The generational phenomenon implies changes in consumer behavior. The latter prefer white wine (90% of respondents drink it), which is easier to drink as an aperitif or with friends, to the detriment of red (82%, – 8 points), which is more popular during a family dinner.

The first purchase criterion remains the price above the region of origin, “a trend that is confirmed as the share of buyers of bottles priced under 10 euros increases by 4 points, emphasizes Sylvain Dade, even if the purchasing group of 11-20 euros remains dominant for 54% of respondents.”

As for the place of purchase, the supermarket is still the preference, but direct sales from the producer and from the wine merchant are also developing.

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation.