Fortified wine market to reach $22.46 billion by 2035

The global fortified wine market is projected to grow from $15.78 billion in 2025 to $22.46 billion by 2035, driven by premiumization, cocktail culture and stronger demand for vermouth. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region as hospitality, retail and digital channels broaden consumer access.

Why it matters: - Fortified wine is gaining traction as consumers look for premium, heritage-driven beverages with more distinct flavors and use occasions. - The market’s projected rise to $22.46 billion by 2035 points to steady demand across retail, hospitality and at-home drinking. - Vermouth’s growth matters because it links fortified wine to cocktails, aperitivo culture and modern mixology.

What happened: - The global fortified wine market was valued at about $15.78 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $16.32 billion in 2026. - The market is projected to grow at a 3.61% CAGR from 2026 to 2035. - Forecasts call for the market to reach $22.46 billion by 2035. - The category includes Port, Vermouth, Sherry, Madeira, Marsala and other specialty styles. - Market Research Future published the report and offered a full sample copy.

The details: - Premiumization is pushing consumers toward wines tied to origin, craftsmanship, aging and brand heritage. - Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala benefit from traditional regional identities. - Vermouth benefits from cocktail demand and elevated home entertaining. - Producers are using packaging, limited editions, gift formats and stronger visual presentation to lift perceived value. - The report lists Sogrape, Symington, Fladgate, Campari, Bacardi, González Byass, Lustau, Osborne, La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, Madeira Wine Company and Duca di Salaparuta among key companies. - Recent industry moves include higher UK alcohol duties on 18% ABV wines in February 2025, González Byass expanding Tio Pepe En Rama production in June 2024 and Bacardi broadening Martini Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo into 14 markets in November 2023. - The European Commission issued wine carbon and ingredient labelling guidance in April 2025. - Wines of South Africa reported stronger exports of Cape fortified wines to the UK and the Netherlands in July 2025. - By product type, Port holds a 36.0% share, Vermouth posts 4.51% CAGR, Sherry is valued at $2.87 billion, Madeira has a 9.4% share, Marsala stands at $1.04 billion and other styles grow at 3.88% CAGR. - By category, mass products hold 54.0% share, while premium products are growing at 4.70% CAGR. - By end user, women account for 52.9% share and men are the faster-growing segment at 5.05% CAGR. - By distribution, off-trade channels hold 51.8% share and on-trade channels are growing at 3.99% CAGR.

Between the lines: - Fortified wine’s growth depends on making traditional styles feel relevant in modern drinking occasions. - Digital discovery, recipe content and restaurant menus are helping consumers encounter products they may not know well. - The report’s split between mass and premium shows a market serving both price-sensitive buyers and consumers willing to pay more for aged or specialty bottles. - Asia-Pacific stands out because premium hospitality and imported beverage exposure are expanding faster than consumer familiarity. - The category still faces a knowledge gap, since many consumers do not know enough about serving methods, flavor profiles or food pairings. - Regulation, price pressure and competition from other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks remain headwinds.

What's next: - Vermouth is likely to remain a key growth driver as cocktail culture and aperitivo drinking broaden its use cases. - Producers are likely to lean more on hospitality partnerships, tasting experiences and food-pairing education. - Asia-Pacific brands will need local distribution, adapted packaging and consumer education to convert interest into sales. - E-commerce and specialty retail should remain important for discovery and trial.

The bottom line: - Fortified wine is moving from a niche heritage category toward a broader premium beverage opportunity, with vermouth, premium offerings and Asia-Pacific growth leading the way.