Danish Wine Imports in Decline – But Which Countries Are Winning and Losing?

Over a longer period, the trend becomes even more evident. From 2016 to 2023, total gross imports fell by a significant 8%, from 175.5 million liters in 2016 to 161.4 million liters in 2023. This trend reflects changing consumption patterns and a growing interest in alternatives to wine.

However, behind the overall numbers, there are significant differences in how individual wine-producing countries are performing in the Danish market. While some countries are experiencing solid growth, others are struggling with notable declines.

The Largest Wine Suppliers to Denmark in 2023

1. Italy – Maintaining the Top Spot.

Import 2023: 34.8 million liters
Change from 2022: +3% (from 33.7 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 21.5%

Status: Italian wine remains the Danes' favorite. The country accounts for nearly a quarter of all imported red wine, with Italian red wine alone making up 28.3 million liters.

2. France – Back in Second Place.

Import 2023: 23.5 million liters
Change from 2022: +6% (from 22.1 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 14.5%

Status: France has reclaimed second place from Australia. Imports of French wine have increased by 6%, and the country has the highest average price per liter at 60 DKK—more than double that of Italian wine (28 DKK/liter).

3. Australia – Drops to Third

Import 2023: 22.9 million liters
Change from 2022: -5% (from 24.1 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 14.2%

Status:After several years of growth, Australia had to surrender second place to France. However, Australia remains the largest supplier of white wine, with 9.3 million liters.

4. Spain – Continued Decline

Import 2023: 19.1 million liters
Change from 2022: -1% (from 19.3 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 11.8%

Status: The lowest share of Spanish wine imports in nearly 20 years. Spain remains the fourth most imported wine, but the trend is downward.

5. South Africa – Largest Percentage Growth

Import 2023: 15.6 million liters
Change from 2022: +18% (from 13.2 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 9.6%

Status: South Africa saw the highest growth in 2023 and is now Denmark’s fifth-largest wine supplier, having surpassed the USA. The significant increase is partly due to a low average price of 10 DKK per liter.

6. USA – Drops Out of the Top 5

Import 2023: 14.3 million liters
Change from 2022: -11% (from 16.2 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 8.8%

Status: The USA has seen significant growth over the past five years but experienced a decline in 2023, losing its spot in the top five.

7. Chile – Persistent Drop

Import 2023: 12.8 million liters
Change from 2022: -11% (from 14.4 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 8%

Status: Once Denmark’s leading supplier (in 2008), Chile has seen a continuous decline since 2017.

8. Germany – Lowest Level in 20 Years

Import 2023: 7.1 million liters
Change from 2022: -20% (from 8.9 million liters in 2022)
Share of total imports: 4.4%

Status: Germany saw the largest decline in 2023 and now has the lowest import volume in nearly 20 years.