By AFP -Agence France Presse
Global wine production reached the lowest level since 1961
Catherine's hours
The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) said on Friday that climate change is expected to cause world wine production to fall again this year to its lowest level since 1961.
According to the intergovernmental organization, production is estimated to reach between 227 million and 235 million hectares in 29 countries, representing 85% of global production.
If production reaches the midpoint of 231 million hectoliters, it will drop 2% compared to 2023 and 13% compared to the average of the previous 10 years.
“Climatic challenges in both hemispheres are once again the main contributors to the reduction in global production volumes,” the OIV said in a report.
“Preliminary estimates reveal a complex scenario of climate disruption in EU wine regions due to climate change,” it said.
“As in 2023, extreme or atypical weather events are the main influence on global production, with early frosts, heavy rains, and prolonged droughts drastically affecting the productivity of vineyards.”
European production, which accounts for 60% of the global total, fell by 11% overall, with only Hungary and Portugal producing wine at close to average levels. With current trends, Europe's production will be the lowest of the 21st century, according to the OIV's head of statistics, Giorgio Delgrosso.
Production in France, the biggest producer last year, is expected to fall by 23% to 36.9 million hectoliters, the biggest drop in the sector.
French vines were hit by bad weather and disease.
Italy recovered slightly from last year's low volume, reaching 41 million hectoliters and regaining first place, ahead of France. Spain remains Europe's third-largest producer.
- Reaching around the world -
In the southern hemisphere, which accounts for around 20% of the world's wine production, production is at its lowest level in two decades.
OIV director John Barker said that there is “increasing volatility” and that southern countries can no longer make up deficits when there are problems in northern hemisphere countries.
He said that the wine sector needs to find answers to deal with the growing impact of climate change and sustainability.
“Only a small group of regions - notably the United States and several Eastern European countries, including Hungary, Georgia, and Moldova - enjoyed more favorable climatic conditions, achieving average or above-average production volumes,” the OIV said.
Drinks consultancy IWSR said that wine consumption also fell by 3.9% in the first six months of the year, mainly due to changing consumer habits.
Wine consumption has fallen by 20% since 2019, according to the IWSR. It said that only the consumption of Italian sparkling prosecco increased in the first six months of 2024. French champagne consumption fell by 8.6%.
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