Millésime BIO 2026 set for success
The world’s largest trade fair dedicated to organic wines and alcoholic drinks will take place in the new year, against a backdrop of continued growth in organic wine sales and shifting consumer profiles.
Millésime BIO will return to Montpellier from 26 to 28 January 2026, as new data shows organic wine continuing to outperform the wider wine market in both value and volume.
The figures were presented at a press conference held on 18 November by organiser SudVinBio, which also unveiled new consumer research into attitudes towards organic wine in France.
Certified vineyard area still rising, but momentum slows
France’s organically certified vineyard area increased sevenfold between 2010 and 2024, according to data cited by SudVinBio. In 2024 alone, certified acreage rose by 7.6%, reflecting a wave of conversions launched in 2020 and 2021.
Today, 20.87% of French vineyard land is either certified organic or in conversion. However, with new conversions now slowing, growth in certified acreage is expected to be more modest in the coming years.
“Viewed against the history of French agriculture, the growth of the organic sector is phenomenal,” said Julien Franclet, chairman of SudVinBio. He added that it was “deeply regrettable” that some producers were postponing conversion plans, despite expanding markets, due to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and what he described as “green-bashing”.
Organic wine sales rise in value and volume
While overall wine consumption continues to decline, organic wine sales remain resilient. In 2024, value sales across channels rose by 7%, with volumes reaching 2.856 million hectolitres, also up 7%.
Independent wineries generated €1.196 billion in value sales (+6%), while co-operative wineries and trading firms recorded €482 million (+8%). Growth has been strongest in higher-value distribution channels in France and export markets, aligning with the ‘drink less but better’ trend.
Partner Content
Supermarkets and hypermarkets were the only channel showing a decline, although their share of organic wine sales remains marginal. SudVinBio noted that production continues to outpace demand, placing pressure on inventories and cash flow.
Younger, environmentally engaged consumers drive demand
New research commissioned by SudVinBio and conducted by ObSoCo shows that 39% of French people drink organic wine. Under-35s account for 31% of organic wine consumers, compared with 18% of those who only drink conventional wine.
Organic wine drinkers were found to be more concerned about environmental issues and the impact of food on health than other consumer groups. The study also identified that 41% of consumers drink organic wine only occasionally, despite holding a positive view of it, while 35% drink it on a regular basis.
What to expect at the 2026 edition
Millésime BIO 2026 will continue to expand its scope beyond wine, with a larger biodynamic area, a new NoLow&Bio zone and partial grouping of exhibitors by country or region. The event will also retain its equal stand format for all exhibitors.
“From its inception, Millésime BIO has served as the world’s premier marketplace for organically farmed wines,” said Jeanne Fabre, chair of the Millésime BIO committee at SudVinBio.
The programme will include the Organic Wine and Alcoholic Drinks Forum, featuring conferences and masterclasses, as well as the Millésime BIO Challenge, the world’s largest competition for organic wines and beers. Chaired by sommelier Xavier Thuizat, the competition will take place on 13 and 14 January 2026 with nearly 450 professional judges.
Around 1,400 exhibitors from approximately 15 countries are expected to attend the 2026 fair.
Related news
How Robert Mondavi Winery is moving with the times
