In 2018, wine production within the EU is expected to be up 22%, to 170 million hectolitres, compared with 2017 when wine production was at an all-time low. This was announced by the EU agricultural cooperatives and organisations in Brussels, on Wednesday 7 November.
Thierry Coste, who chairs the Copa-Cogeca working group for the wine sector, spoke of the exceptionally good weather conditions for wine production this year, with a very hot summer. He said the harvest promised to be of exceptional quality. In volume, the average harvest is 170 million hectolitres, almost equal to that of 2015 and 2016 but up 22% compared with 2017. Last year’s production was the lowest since 1945.
Wine availability (stocks plus production) is good (+2% compared with 2017) so that there is no reason why the market should not be stable with dynamic flow.
Italian wine production has increased to the average levels of recent years with a 16% increase in this year’s harvest (49.5% million hectolitres). Italy thus retains its position at the top of the leader board for world production.
French harvests are expected to increase 28% compared with last year and 6% compared with the five-year average.
Spain is notching up high production levels with a 33% rise and grapes of very good quality. It may be difficult to maintain last year’s prices but lower stocks could be enough to ensure good prices for producers.
Germany expects an overall harvest of 10.7 million hectolitres, i.e. around 2 million hectolitres more than the five-year average and 44% more compared with last year. Such an outstanding vintage in Germany has not been seen since 1999.
Portugal’s production is expected to fall by 20% due to mildew and sunburn. The quality, however, will be excellent. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)