Moldova’s wine exports during the first four months of 2026 reveal a sector undergoing significant transformation.
Despite a notable contraction in shipment volumes, the country’s wine industry managed to maintain export revenues close to record levels, confirming the growing effectiveness of its premiumization strategy and export diversification efforts.
According to ONVV Marketing Intelligence data based on SIA ASYCUDA statistics, Moldova exported 37.1 million liters of wine products between January and April 2026, marking an 18% decline compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, total export value reached 69.1 million USD, only marginally below the 69.5 million USD achieved in Jan–Apr 2025.
The data clearly illustrates that Moldovan wine exporters are becoming less dependent on high-volume shipments and increasingly focused on higher-value sales. Rising average prices across several categories compensated for declining volumes and helped stabilize overall export revenues.
Still wines continued to dominate Moldova’s export structure, representing the backbone of the country’s international wine trade. The category generated 41.6 million USD in export revenue despite a 20% decline in exported volume. Particularly notable was the performance of bottled still wines, where average export prices increased by 13% to 2.13 USD per liter. Bulk wine prices also rose sharply by 17%, reaching 0.82 USD per liter.
These developments indicate stronger market positioning for Moldovan wines, especially in European retail and horeca channels where consumers increasingly seek wines offering quality-to-price value. Moldovan producers appear to be benefiting from improved branding, better portfolio segmentation, and growing recognition of indigenous grape varieties.
The most dynamic growth segment during the reporting period was Divin and brandy. Exports in this category climbed to 20.9 million USD, representing 30% of total export value. Bottled Divin demonstrated exceptional momentum, with export volumes increasing by 148% and value by 134%. This suggests rising international demand for Moldovan spirits, particularly aged distillates positioned within the premium and super-premium categories.
Liqueur wines also delivered solid growth, increasing 30% in value and 18% in volume. The category maintained relatively stable average pricing, indicating balanced expansion without aggressive discounting.
However, the report also revealed significant pressure in several product segments. Sparkling wine exports contracted sharply, with bottled exports falling by 47% in volume. Vermouth and flavored wines faced even stronger declines, losing more than 70% in both volume and value terms. These results likely reflect softer global demand in lower-priority discretionary beverage categories, as well as intensified international competition.
Europe continued to reinforce its role as Moldova’s key export region. The continent accounted for 63% of total export value and generated 43.2 million USD in sales, representing 12% annual growth. The strong European performance helped offset substantial declines in exports to the Americas, where export value dropped by 65%.
African markets emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations, posting 42% growth in export value. This expansion demonstrates Moldova’s increasing efforts to diversify geographically and reduce dependency on traditional markets.
Romania remained Moldova’s leading bottled wine market by a wide margin, accounting for one-third of export value. Poland, Czechia, Nigeria, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Ukraine, China, and Ghana also ranked among the country’s major export destinations.
The long-term export evolution between 2017 and 2026 provides additional perspective on Moldova’s progress. While export volumes have fluctuated significantly over the decade due to geopolitical disruptions, inflation, logistics challenges, and changing global wine consumption patterns, export value has shown a much more stable upward trajectory. The 69.1 million USD recorded in early 2026 remains substantially above the decade average and confirms the industry’s improving capacity to generate value rather than relying purely on scale.
The Jan–Apr 2026 results therefore point toward a Moldovan wine industry that is becoming more resilient, more premium-oriented, and increasingly competitive internationally. Although global market conditions remain challenging, Moldova’s exporters continue strengthening their presence through higher-value wines, stronger regional positioning, and expanding international recognition.
Source: ONVV/Wine of Moldova
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