Wine supplies growing due to decreasing consumption

Italy remains largest wine producer

The total wine production in 2013 is expected to increase to 281 million hectolitre, a lot more than the amount of 2012 (258
million hectolitre), equalling the amount in 2006. The majority, 164 million hectolitre,
comes from the European Union, with Italy leading the pack with 45 million
hectolitre (+2 %). France is second with 44 million hectolitre (+7 %) and Spain
is third with 40 million hectolitre (+22 %). 

Outside Europe, the US is the largest
producer with 22 million hectolitre. Argentina (15 million), Australia
(13.5 million), Chile (12.8 million) and South Africa (10.9 million) also
contribute substantially.  The only market producing less wine
is Germany, with a production drop of 1 % to 9 million hectolitre. Romania
however rose sharply, pushing up 79 % to nearly 6 million hectolitre.

Consumption levels not following production levels

The higher productivity of vineyards
led to the increased production, despite the fact that the total area of vineyards worldwide
has decreased. 2013 saw a loss of nearly 15,000 hectares of land, with still 7.5
million hectares intact.

However, the increased production is not being consumed at an equal rate. Currently,
consumption seems to have stabilized, but that was only after several years of downward trends. New wine-consuming countries, like China and
Russia, barely see growth, whereas other wine countries have to fight off the
increasing popularity of beers.

(translated by Gary Peeters)