Wine production has continued declining in recent years and will drop to a record low level over 63 years in 2024, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) says in its forecast, cited by the AFP news agency, Report informs via TASS.
According to harvest data in 29 countries accounting for 85% of worldwide wine production, from 227 to 235 hectoliters will be produced. This is the lowest figure since 1961, when recorded production stood at the level of 220 million hectoliters.
"Climate problems in both hemispheres have again become the main cause for the drop of the global output," OIV said. A low level of production is expected again in Europe, except Portugal and Hungary.
Italy will be the leading wine producer in 2024 (41 mln hectoliters), and France will be the second with 36.9 mln hectoliters and a sharp annual drop by 23% in production over the year. Spain will rank third.