Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine has released data showing that worldwide, wine consumption is at its lowest level in 1961.
Spain, however, defied this downward trend and posted a slight rise in its domestic wine consumption.
According to the OIV, only 214.2 million hectolitres (or a little more than 210 million bottles) of wine were consumed globally last year. This is down 3.3% compared to 2023 and marks the lowest consumption figure since 1961.
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The report highlights the fact that, while wine consumption continues to rise, it is decreasing in frequency.
Consumption has fallen significantly among the younger generation.
The wine consumption in Spain increased by nearly 10 million hectolitres, or 1.2%, in 2024.
It is one of only a few countries that has seen an increase.
Portugal’s consumption also increased, and even exceeded its prepandemic levels.
Other leading wine markets also saw significant drops.
The United States, the largest consumer in the world by volume, saw a 5.8% decline, while France and Germany also experienced declines.
China’s consumption of wine has dropped by 19.3% in the last year, continuing a downward trend that began several years ago.
The causes of the global recession are complex.
OIV attributes this decline to a combination social changes, changing generational preferences and economic pressures.
The COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and lifestyle changes have all had an impact on how and when wine is consumed.
John Barker (Director General of OIV) also noted that trade concerns were looming, namely US tariffs. This uncertainty was a result of this.
“Any type barrier creates a distracting effect on the market,” said he, but stressed that it was too soon to speculate long-term implications.
In terms of production, global wine output also dipped in 2024 to 225.8 million hectolitres – the lowest in 60 years – largely due to extreme weather events affecting vineyards in major producing regions.
