French wine and spirit exports to the U.S. hit new highs in terms of both volume and value in 2006, according to the 2006 edition of The Global Drinks Market: Impact Databank Review and Forecast. Following their peak year in 2002, combined exports of wine and spirits from France to the U.S. slumped for the next few years, triggered by anti-French sentiment stemming from France’s objection to the war in Iraq, and compounded by the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar as well as frenetic competition from other major export origins.

The U.S. is the largest export market for French wines & spirits combined, amounting to €2.05 (US$2.6) billion in 2006, a 22% increase over the year prior. Surprisingly, Bordeaux was the fastest-growing major wine origin, with a 21.4% gain by volume to 1.71 million nine-liter cases in 2006. Exports of Burgundy and Champagne to the U.S. also performed well last year, as did non-AOC wines and French vodka.

Champagne shipments are nearly back to their pre-Millennium levels, while Cognac exports to the U.S. reached an all-time high in 2006. Globally, last year was the second-best ever for Cognac, with 152 million bottles shipped outside France, and by the end of 2007, the region expects to eclipse the previous record set in 1989. Total French wine and spirit exports worldwide reached an all-time high of €8.7 (US$10.9) billion last year, besting 2003’s previous record. China’s rapidly growing economy made it the fastest-growing destination last year, soaring 45% to €7.8 (US$9.8) billion.