France has too much wine. It’s paying millions to destroy the leftovers.

France is spending $216 million to destroy surplus wine due to increasing production costs, declining consumption, and economic factors, such as the pandemic, war, and climate change.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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.

8/26/2023

France and EU to spend 215 million euros shoring up struggling wine producers

The French government and the European Union have allocated €200 million to support struggling wine producers, who have been impacted by falling prices and a decline in demand, as well as climate change threats and changing consumption patterns.

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.

8/27/2023

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.

9/12/2023

Italy to Lose Top Wine Producer Status to France as Extreme Weather and Disease Slash Output

Italy's wine output is projected to decrease by 12% this year due to extreme weather and fungal diseases, causing the country to lose its position as the world's largest wine producer to France.