On November 29, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) held the closing conference for its 100th anniversary. Director General John Barker opened the event with an overview of data spanning the last century, highlighting developments in viticulture, production, consumption, and international wine trade. "The story that emerges is one of a resilient sector that has adapted and even increased its value despite the changes and upheavals it has faced," Barker said.
He underscored Europe's key role in both wine production and consumption. "The greatest challenges lie in addressing sustainability, understanding changing consumer behavior, and defining wine's place in society," Barker stated, before passing the floor to Giorgio Delgrosso, head of the Statistics and Digital Transformation department.
Historically low production
Giorgio Delgrosso presented the latest estimates for global wine production, based on data collected from 29 countries representing approximately 85% of worldwide output. The current estimate for global wine production (excluding juice and must) stands at 227–235m hl, with an average of 231m hl. Europe remains the largest contributor, producing 139m hl despite recording the lowest harvest of the century—falling below even the historically low yield of 2017.
According to Delgrosso, the only smaller vintage in recent history was in 1961. The reasons for this decline are clear: climate variability and the unpredictability of extreme weather events, such as frost, heavy rainfall, and drought, have significantly impacted global productivity.
France experienced the sharpest drop in production compared to the previous year (-23%). In contrast, Spain reported an 18% increase, largely driven by the highly productive La Mancha region. Italy also saw a modest recovery from its low 2023 output, achieving a 7% increase and reclaiming its position as the world's largest wine producer.
“These trends highlight the growing impact of changing environmental conditions on the wine sector and the urgent need for adaptive strategies and resilient viticultural practices."
Across Europe, wine production in 2024 remained below average. Only Portugal (0%) and Hungary (+19%) achieved average or above-average yields. Preliminary forecasts from the United States suggest a slightly below-average harvest compared to 2023. In the Southern Hemisphere, production hit its lowest level in two decades, primarily due to adverse climatic conditions.
“These trends highlight the growing impact of changing environmental conditions on the wine sector and the urgent need for adaptive strategies and resilient viticultural practices,” Delgrosso said. He also noted that lower production volumes, within the current economic context, could help rebalance supply and demand in certain regions.
On the demand side, Delgrosso struck a more optimistic tone: “Observations suggest relatively positive trends for the first half of 2024. During the first seven months of the year, the global wine trade saw a 2% increase in volume and a 2% decline in value. This points to potentially rising demand, reduced inflationary pressures, and an environment that could stimulate consumer spending while alleviating production costs.”
Vine and Wine Day announced
Closing the centennial celebrations, newly elected OIV President Yvette van der Merwe emphasized the importance of progress and innovation: “Our industry must adapt. We are experimenting with grape varieties, rethinking our methods, and, most importantly, committing to sustainability.” She also highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence in improving how wine is cultivated, produced, and shared. “AI helps us monitor vineyards with precision, analyze market trends, and create personalized experiences for consumers,” she stated.
To conclude the festivities, van der Merwe proclaimed November 29 as the International Day of Vine and Wine. The date will be submitted for approval at the next OIV General Assembly, scheduled for June 15, 2025, in Moldova. MM
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