Italy is expected to remain the world's largest wine producer by 2025, surpassing France and Spain. The estimate was released this Wednesday, the 11th, by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Italian Wine Union.
The country is expected to reach 47 million hectoliters of wine and must, an 8% increase over 2024 and close to the historical average. Growth is driven primarily by southern regions such as Sicily and Puglia, which recorded a 19% increase in production.
According to the report from the Italian Wine Union and the Association of Oenologists, this year's harvest is considered "balanced", with quality ranging from good to excellent.
Production in the South grows, while the Northeast faces difficulties
Heavy spring rains replenished groundwater in the south of the country, helping vines withstand the early summer heat. Meanwhile, the Northeast, including Veneto—Italy's main wine region—faced climate fluctuations and fungal diseases, keeping production at average levels.
In 2023, Italy briefly lost its global lead after a harvest affected by extreme weather events and pests. However, over the past five years, the country has maintained its lead for most of the period.
France and Spain come next
With a forecast of 37,4 million hectoliters, France is expected to come in second, followed by Spain with 36,8 million. High temperatures in August negatively impacted French vineyards.
Risks for the sector
Despite the good harvest, the industry faces challenges. Italian exports fell 4% in the first five months of the year, reflecting tariffs imposed by the United States and a slowdown in domestic demand, except for sparkling wines.
“The quality of our wine is indisputable, but even a good wine loses value if there is an excess on the market,” said Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Italian Wine Union.
With stocks estimated at 37 million hectoliters in the cellars, he warns of the risk of a drop in fair remuneration for producers.
The 10 largest wine producers in the world in 2024
Check out the 10 largest wine producers in the world in 2024, based on official estimates from OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine):
| Position | Country | Estimated production (million hectoliters) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 º | Italy | 43,9 |
| 2 º | France | 45,8 |
| 3 º | Spain | 30,7 |
| 4 º | United States | 20,3 |
| 5 º | Chile | 11,0 |
| 6 º | Australia | 9,9 |
| 7 º | South Africa | 9,3 |
| 8 º | Germany | 8,5 |
| 9 º | Argentina | 8,1 |
| 10 º | Portugal | 6,7 |
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