Climate Change Has Consequences for Global Wine Production

Wine production decreased by 4.8 percent compared to 2023, to 225.8 million hectoliters, reported the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). In Austria, the decline was 8.8 percent. In addition to climate change, the economic situation and declining consumption also influenced this trend.

Wine Production in Austria Decreased by Over 8 Percent

In the EU, wine production was 138.3 million hectoliters last year, 3.5 percent below that of 2023. In Germany, the fourth-largest European producer, production fell by 9.8 percent to 7.8 million hectoliters according to OIV data. In Austria, it decreased by an above-average 8.8 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, to 2.2 million hectoliters - corresponding to a drop of 11.8 percent compared to the previous five-year average.

The industry organization cited extreme weather influences such as dry periods, late frost in spring, heavy rain in summer, hail, and pest infestation as a result of these weather conditions. Italy, as the world's largest wine-producing nation, recorded an increase with a production of 44.1 million hectoliters, but it was still 6 percent below the five-year average. France, as the second-largest producer, recorded a decline of 23.5 percent with 36.1 million hectoliters, marking the lowest production since 1957. Spain, in third place, remains 11.1 percent below the five-year average with a production of 31 million hectoliters.

Global Wine Consumption Declining

Global wine consumption in 2024 is estimated at 214.2 million hectoliters, representing a 3.3 percent decline compared to the previous year and the lowest amount since 1961. This continues a trend attributed to short-term economic reasons such as inflation, a changed lifestyle, social habits, and different consumer behavior. In the EU, consumption fell by 2.8 percent compared to the previous year, to 103.6 million hectoliters, which means a 5.2 percent decrease in the five-year average. In Austria, consumption decreased by 2.6 percent to 2.2 million hectoliters in 2024, and in Germany by 3 percent to 17.8 million hectoliters.

The value of global wine exports is estimated at 35.9 billion euros for 2024, representing only a slight decline compared to the previous year. The average export price also remains unchanged at 3.60 euros per liter. According to the industry organization, the overall price level is high, partly because the trend towards higher-priced wines has become increasingly pronounced in recent years.

(APA/Red)

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