Value up, volume down — the classic premiumisation chart. Moldova’s National Office of Vine and Wine figures, relayed by Wine-Intelligence, put Q1 2026 exports at $53.2 million, up 5% and the strongest opening quarter in a decade. Volume slipped 16% to 29 million litres, under the 10-year average.
Still wine still leads volume, but Divin and distillates punch above their weight: about 15% of volume and 32% of value. Bottled Divin value surged hard. Romania alone takes roughly 35% of bottled-wine export value — a neighbour paying for better average prices.
Mini-concept: revenue per litre is the quiet KPI. Shipping less juice for more money means the category is climbing shelves, not only filling tanks. That is how a small country escapes the bulk trap.
Intentional choice: a $53.2m quarter on fewer litres is the opposite of an RTD race to the cheapest millilitre. You are buying positioning, not only alcohol.
Keep: $53.2m, −16% volume, record Q1 value. Fewer litres, stronger cheque.
Keep the pattern in mind: a place, a number, and a reason to open the bottle. That is how wine stays a choice on a thinner calendar — not background noise, not a random can.