Italy to Cede Wine Production Leadership to France for the First Time in Nine Years

Wine production in Italy is set to decline by 12% this year, dropping below 44 million hectoliters due to the adverse impact of extreme weather conditions and fungal diseases affecting vineyards. This means that the country will lose its status as the world's largest wine producer, with France regaining the top spot for the first time in nine years, according to Reuters.

In a joint statement with the Institute of Services for the Agricultural and Food market (ISMEA), Italian wine lobby groups UIV and Assoenologi noted that northern regions of Italy are expected to see a slight production increase of 0.8%. However, central regions anticipate a production decrease of around 20%, while the southern regions may experience a decline of approximately 30% due to the adverse combination of worsening weather conditions and the presence of the fungus known as plasmopara viticola, according to harvest forecast data. This fungus attacks the leaves and fruit of grapevines, causing a condition known as downy mildew.

Riccardo Cotarella, Chairman of the Assoenologi association of wine experts, emphasized that despite the challenges accompanying this year's harvest, the quality of the wine will not be compromised. "We expect higher wine quality in 2023, with wines of high quality and exceptional flavor profiles," said Riccardo Cotarella.

According to Livio Proietti, the extraordinary commissioner of ISMEA, the reduction in production should not pose a problem as current wine reserves exceed 49 million hectoliters, the highest level in the last six years.

Proietti added, "The main issue lies not in Italy losing its production volume leadership but in the slowdown of domestic and international demand, which may lead to a decrease in wine prices." He also mentioned that in August, the French government allocated €200 million from the EU fund to deal with excess wine production to stabilize price fluctuations and support producers facing income challenges due to declining demand.

This drop in wine demand has led to overproduction, a sharp decline in prices, and serious financial difficulties for one-third of Bordeaux winemakers. It was previously reported that in the region, winemakers are planning to remove thousands of hectares of vineyards due to climate changes and decreased demand.