According to data from the agricultural authorities of France and Italy, Italy is poised to reclaim its position as the world’s largest wine producer in 2024. This is due to France experiencing unfavorable weather conditions impacting its vineyards.
Following a disastrous 2023 harvest, Italy’s wine production is expected to recover by eight percent, reaching between 41 million and 42 million hectolitres, as reported by Coldiretti, Italy’s main agricultural association.
The French agriculture ministry predicted a decrease of 18 percent in French wine production, dropping to 39.3 million hectolitres. Coldiretti highlighted that despite the recovery in Italy, this year’s output still falls below the average of recent years due to varying weather conditions in different parts of the country.
Italy has been the world’s top wine producer almost every year since 2007, except for 2011, 2014, and 2023 when France took the lead, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
Coldiretti mentioned that Italy has faced challenges, with the north experiencing intense rain and hail, while regions in the south and Sicily have been affected by drought. Early harvests have occurred in some areas due to heat and lack of rain.
In France, the steepest decline in wine production is expected in the eastern Jura region, with a projected 71 percent decrease due to frosts and mildew. The western Charente region will see a 35 percent reduction in production, with the Loire Valley and Burgundy-Beaujolais area also affected by significant drops in output.
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