The International Organization of Viticulture and Winemaking (OIV) reports, citing its own research, that wine consumption worldwide in 2024 reached a record low amid economic and geopolitical factors.
According to its data, wine sales totaled 214 million hectoliters last year, 3.3% less than in 2023. The organization notes that this is the world’s lowest rate of wine consumption since 1961.
In addition, the OIV reports that for the fourth year in a row, the world’s vineyard area has been declining, amounting to 7.1 million hectares. Wine production in 2024 decreased by 4.8% compared to 2023 and reached its lowest level in over 60 years.
The press release said this is largely due to unpredictable and extreme weather events in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres caused by climate change.
Last year, Italy was the world’s leading wine producer (44.1 million hectoliters, +15%), followed by France (36.1 million hectoliters, -23.5%) and Spain (31 million hectoliters, +9.3%).
The top 5 also includes the United States (21.1 million hectoliters, -17.2%) and Argentina (10.9 million hectoliters, +23.3%).
Spain had the most extensive vineyards in the world – 930 hectares (-1.5%). It is followed by France (783 hectares, -0.7%), China (753 hectares, -0.4%), Italy (728 hectares, +0.8%) and Turkey (402 hectares, -1%).