Demand for wine has fallen so much that France is spending $215 million to distill excess wine into ethanol used in cleaning products

The French government plans to spend $215 million to distill excess wine into ethanol for industrial uses, as falling demand and increased competition in export markets have impacted the wine industry.

fortune.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/26/2023

France allocates €200 million to dispose of excess wine amidst declining demand

France has allocated €200 million to address surplus wine disposal and provide assistance to wine producers facing challenges due to a decrease in demand, overproduction, and the cost of living crisis.

8/26/2023

French government to spend $216 million to destroy excess wine as younger consumers drink less alcohol

The French government plans to spend €200 million to destroy excess wine and convert it into industrial alcohol for products like hand sanitizer, in an effort to support the struggling wine industry facing changing consumption habits and decreased wine consumption across Europe.

8/27/2023

France Has So Much Extra Wine, It's Paying Farmers $215 Million To Destroy It

The French government will pay winemakers in Bordeaux and Languedoc $215 million to sell off their surplus wine, as a fall in demand, a more competitive market, and pandemic-related issues have resulted in an oversupply of 3 million hectolitres of wine.