Oredola Adeola

The United States government has revealed that Nigeria is the largest market for U.S. wines in Africa, with exports reaching $7.8 million in 2024, marking a 65% increase from 2023.

Acting U.S. Consul General JoEllen Gorg made this known during a trade promotion event organized by the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Mission in collaboration with the California Wine Institute, held in Lagos.

She emphasized the crucial role of the Foreign Agricultural Service in expanding U.S.-Nigeria agricultural trade.

“The United States is proud to offer the highest quality products to consumers around the world.

California wines represent some of the best in the world.

“Home to over 5,000 wineries, most of them family-owned, multi-generational businesses, California produces over 80% of U.S. wine and ranks fourth among the world’s wine producers,” Gorg stated.

Honore Comfort, Vice President for International Marketing at the California Wine Institute, highlighted the event as a platform to showcase the diversity and quality of California wines, which have earned a stellar global reputation.

“We are excited to kick off our 2025 Africa Tasting Tour in Lagos to increase knowledge of and interest in California wines across the continent,” Comfort added.

Advisors Reports gathered that the trade promotion event connected 18 California wineries with the Nigerian business community, further strengthening agricultural trade ties between both countries.

Over 160 award-winning California wines, ranging from crisp whites to bold reds, were showcased during a tasting session attended by more than 120 Nigerian wine importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality industry stakeholders, and wine enthusiasts, who explored the growing market potential for U.S. wines in Nigeria.

During the event, the California Wine Institute organized a specialized seminar for local wine importers and top Nigerian restaurateurs, highlighting opportunities for mutually beneficial trade partnerships.