Introduction
Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. It is made from white grapes and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and flavorful spirit. Cognac production is a highly regulated industry, with strict rules governing everything from the types of grapes that can be used to the aging process. In this report, we will explore the top 10 cognac producing countries in the world in 2025, highlighting key industry insights, financial data, and the leading companies in the sector.
1. France
Overview
France is the undisputed leader in the production of cognac, with the Cognac region being the birthplace of this iconic spirit. The country is home to numerous well-known cognac houses, such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier. French cognac is known for its high quality and unique flavor profiles, making it highly sought after by connoisseurs around the world.
Financial Data
In 2025, France produced over 200 million bottles of cognac, generating revenues of over $4 billion. The industry continues to grow steadily, with exports to countries like the United States, China, and the UK driving demand for French cognac.
Leading Companies
Hennessy, owned by LVMH, is the largest cognac house in France, accounting for a significant portion of the market share. Other notable companies include Rémy Martin, owned by Rémy Cointreau, and Courvoisier, owned by Beam Suntory.
2. United States
Overview
The United States is a major player in the cognac industry, with a growing number of American consumers developing a taste for this premium spirit. While the country does not have a designated cognac region like France, there are several distilleries producing high-quality brandies that are comparable to traditional cognac.
Financial Data
In 2025, the United States produced over 10 million bottles of cognac, with revenues exceeding $500 million. Domestic consumption is on the rise, as more Americans embrace the sophistication and elegance of cognac.
Leading Companies
Some of the leading cognac producers in the United States include Copper & Kings, Germain-Robin, and St. George Spirits. These craft distilleries are known for their innovative approach to cognac production, using locally sourced ingredients and unique aging techniques.
3. China
Overview
China has emerged as a key player in the global cognac market, with a growing middle class driving demand for luxury spirits. The country is one of the largest consumers of cognac in the world, with a strong preference for premium brands like Hennessy and Martell.
Financial Data
In 2025, China produced over 15 million bottles of cognac, generating revenues of over $1 billion. The Chinese market continues to expand rapidly, with domestic producers like Moutai and Wuliangye gaining traction among local consumers.
Leading Companies
Hennessy and Martell are among the top-selling cognac brands in China, capturing a significant share of the market. Domestic producers like Moutai and Wuliangye are also making a name for themselves, offering high-quality cognac alternatives to imported brands.
4. Russia
Overview
Russia has a long history of producing brandy, with the country’s cold climate providing ideal conditions for aging spirits. Russian consumers have a strong affinity for cognac, with many traditional brands holding a special place in the hearts of locals.
Financial Data
In 2025, Russia produced over 5 million bottles of cognac, with revenues exceeding $300 million. The Russian market is highly competitive, with both imported and domestic brands vying for consumer attention.
Leading Companies
Some of the top cognac producers in Russia include Abrau-Durso, Kizlyar, and Tavria. These companies are known for their rich and complex brandies, which appeal to the discerning Russian palate.
5. Spain
Overview
Spain is a relatively small player in the global cognac market, but the country has a rich tradition of producing high-quality brandies. Spanish brandies are known for their intense flavors and aromatic profiles, making them a favorite among connoisseurs.
Financial Data
In 2025, Spain produced over 3 million bottles of cognac, generating revenues of $150 million. The Spanish market is dominated by traditional producers like Torres and Osborne, who have been crafting brandies for generations.
Leading Companies
Torres and Osborne are the leading cognac producers in Spain, with a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. These companies are known for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every bottle of cognac is a true reflection of Spanish heritage.
6. Italy
Overview
Italy is renowned for its wine production, but the country also has a thriving brandy industry. Italian brandies are characterized by their smooth texture and rich flavors, making them a popular choice among consumers looking for a sophisticated spirit.
Financial Data
In 2025, Italy produced over 2 million bottles of cognac, with revenues reaching $100 million. The Italian market is diverse, with a mix of small craft distilleries and large commercial producers catering to different consumer preferences.
Leading Companies
Some of the top cognac producers in Italy include Vecchia Romagna, Stock, and Villa Zarri. These companies are known for their traditional production methods and commitment to quality, ensuring that Italian brandies are held in high esteem by spirits enthusiasts.
7. South Africa
Overview
South Africa is a growing player in the global cognac market, with a number of distilleries producing high-quality brandies for both domestic and international consumption. The country’s warm climate and diverse terroir provide ideal conditions for grape cultivation and spirit production.
Financial Data
In 2025, South Africa produced over 1 million bottles of cognac, generating revenues of $50 million. The South African market is characterized by a mix of traditional and innovative producers, each bringing their own unique spin to the world of brandy.
Leading Companies
KWV, Distell, and Oude Molen are among the top cognac producers in South Africa, known for their high-quality spirits and commitment to sustainability. These companies are helping to put South African brandies on the map, attracting attention from consumers and critics alike.
8. Australia
Overview
Australia may be better known for its wine production, but the country also has a burgeoning brandy industry. Australian brandies are praised for their bold flavors and innovative techniques, making them a favorite among adventurous spirits enthusiasts.
Financial Data
In 2025, Australia produced over 500,000 bottles of cognac, with revenues exceeding $25 million. The Australian market is still relatively small compared to other countries, but it is growing steadily as more consumers discover the unique qualities of Australian brandies.
Leading Companies
St Agnes, Hellyers Road, and Hutton Vale are some of the top cognac producers in Australia, known for their craftsmanship and dedication to quality. These companies are helping to elevate the profile of Australian brandies on the world stage, showcasing the country’s talent and innovation in spirit production.
9. Portugal
Overview
Portugal is a key player in the global brandy market, with a long history of producing high-quality spirits. Portuguese brandies are known for their smooth texture and rich flavors, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and winemaking traditions.
Financial Data
In 2025, Portugal produced over 300,000 bottles of cognac, generating revenues of $15 million. The Portuguese market is dominated by traditional producers like Fundação Eugénio de Almeida and Adega Cooperativa de Borba, who have been crafting brandies for generations.
Leading Companies
Fundação Eugénio de Almeida and Adega Cooperativa de Borba are among the top cognac producers in Portugal, with a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. These companies are known for their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every bottle of Portuguese brandy is a true representation of the country’s heritage.
10. Germany
Overview
Germany may not be as well-known for its brandy production, but the country has a growing number of distilleries producing high-quality spirits. German brandies are characterized by their smooth texture and subtle flavors, making them a popular choice among consumers looking for a refined and elegant spirit.
Financial Data
In 2025, Germany produced over 200,000 bottles of cognac, with revenues reaching $10 million. The German market is still relatively small compared to other countries, but it is expanding as more consumers develop a taste for German brandies.
Leading Companies
Asbach, Schladerer, and Ziegler are some of the top cognac producers in Germany, known for their traditional production methods and commitment to quality. These companies are helping to raise the profile of German brandies in the global market, showcasing the country’s talent and expertise in spirit production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global cognac market is a diverse and vibrant industry, with countries around the world producing high-quality brandies to meet the growing demand from consumers. While France remains the undisputed leader in cognac production, other countries like the United States, China, and Russia are making a name for themselves with innovative approaches to spirit production. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the cognac industry is poised for further growth and expansion in the coming years.
