The World of Wines in Facts and Numbers

“In view of the continuing rise in costs, the pressure on German wine producers has intensified further. Their profitability is under threat. Is a major upheaval imminent?”

“The growing areas are developing differently. While the largest growing area in Germany, Rheinhessen, continues to grow, the area  under vines in Württemberg and Baden is shrinking. What needs to change?”

“The development of the German market in 2023 was difficult. Wine consumption decreased for the second year in a row. However, increasing average prices suppressed the loss in value. The turnover in sparkling wines remained constant. How can wine makers get their customers back?

“Austria is debating possible standardised classification of vineyards nationwide. Many traditional wineries are in favour of this, but newcomers are putting up opposition. Where is the journey of origin headed?”

“The turnover is decreasing, even in the otherwise stable wine-drinking country of Austria.The marketing organisation, ÖWM, is therefore becoming more active in foreign markets. Is that the right strategy?”

“France is suffering more than almost any other wine-producing country, from the effects of overproduction and the drop in sales of red wines in particular. Should they now be putting as much emphasis as possible on white wine?”

“Uncomplicated wines in the entry-level segment, labelled with just the grape variety, are currently popular with consumers. Have seemingly complicated AOP wines outstayed their welcome?”

“After many record-breaking years, 2020 excluded, Italy’s wine industry is now facing declining export values. Losses in the most important markets, namely the USA and Canada, are weighing particularly heavily on the balance sheet. Europe remains within the positive range (+ 1%). Will 2024 bring the turnaround?”

“Italy doesn’t plan to tackle overproduction with the reduction of viticulture areas. Instead, they want to allow the sale of planting rights only in particularly suitable areas and to favour market-relevant varieties or origins. Are they on the right track?”

"In 2023, the grape harvest in Greece was a nightmare. Will the Greek suppliers be able to deliver, or will there be problems with the supply?"

"The names of Greek grape varieties are often strange and unpronounceable for Central Europeans. How can I explain the indigenous grape varieties to my customers, and which ones will convert them into fans of Greek wines?"

“For a long time, Spain has made a living from the production of large quantities of wine at favourable prices. How long will they maintain this strategy and what could happen next?

“The demand for white wines is increasing worldwide, but the most important white wine regions in Galicia are still primarily producing for the domestic market. Are we missing out on an opportunity?”

“The indigenous grape varieties are one of the country’s most important USPs, but they nevertheless still have to be explained laboriously in a competitive market. Should Portugal be focusing more on international varieties instead?”

“It has become evident that more and more producers in the Douro Valley are giving up because they can no longer cover the costs of working the steep slopes. Is the centralised regulation of the grape price, which also applies to port, a good solution?”

“The US American wine market is the biggest in the world, but even this enormous market is weakening. Should exporters start relying less on this market?”

“The problem of overproduction has now reached California too. How should the US American wine industry and politics deal with it?”

“Australia’s red wine stocks have grown immensely due to China’s punitive tariffs – apparently the tariffs are now likely to be cancelled. Is 2024 the last chance for buyers from Europe to purchase high-quality red wines at bargain prices if China waives the tariffs?”

“Tasmania is currently making a name for itself in the fine wine scene. Is scorching Australia going to become a cool-climate source?”

“How do you see the free trade agreement between the EU and New Zealand?
Will the New Zealand market soon be swamped with German Riesling?”

“New Zealand’s wine makers are in the more favourable position in that their wines are established in the higher-priced segment, yet they match the contemporary spirit perfectly. In which direction should and could the country’s wine industry develop?”

“South Africa anticipates a slightly larger grape harvest in 2024 than in the previous year, which yielded less than 10m hectolitres. Will this put pressure on the prices?”

“The wine-growing area in South Africa continues to shrink. Within 10 years, it has decreased by 10%. How can this decline be stopped?”

“The new President, Milei, has caused a massive devaluation of the peso. Will this help Argentinian wine producers with exports?”

With 72% remaining on the domestic market, a relatively large amount of wine is still available. Can Argentina’s winegrowers, particularly the smaller ones, survive on this basis?

“Chile has benefited from exports to China during the tariff disputes with Australia, having exported wine to the value of about €280m to China during that time. What does the fact that China and Australia are patching things up mean for Chile?”

“Last year, Chile was hit by forest fires and flooding. How can the Chilean wine industry contribute to sustainability and self-protection against natural disasters?”

Eastern Europe

“German consumers are often quite unaware of indigenous varieties, such as Fetească Neagră, Vranac, Rkatsiteli or Žilavka, even if they have been to Eastern Europe on holiday. Is there a market for those varieties in Northern and Western Europe, beyond the gastronomy and speciality retailer niches?”  

“Good quality varieties like Pinot Grigio and Primitivo are grown and produced in countries like North Macedonia and Moldovia, often even in barrels. Can these wines compete with the ‘originals’ from Italy on the international market?”