For the fifth straight year, Cognac exports continued to grow in 2018-2019, reaching their highest levels ever in both volume and value. The period saw 211.1 million bottles shipped, with a value of 3.4 billion euros (about 3.7 billion U.S. dollars). In addition, Cognac secured the addition of 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) of vineyards over the next three years. With exports accounting for 98% of production, Cognac has consolidated its development this year, with shipments growing by more than 2.5% in volume and nearly 6.9% in value. Cognac contributes significantly to the trade surplus of French wines and spirits. Representing nearly a quarter of the total value of French wine and spirits for export, it tops the list of major appellations. The United States once again drives the “dynamic gain,” with 94.3 million bottles shipped in 2018-2019.