INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF VINE AND WINE (OIV) - ITALY NUMBER ONE EXPORTING COUNTRY IN 2005. GLOBAL WINE CONSUMPTION ON THE RISE, EXCEPT IN ITALY (51 LITERS) AND FRANCE. CHINA SOON TO ENTER THE “UN” OF WINE?

In 2005 Italy became the world leader in wine exports (for volume), ranking ahead of both France and Spain. This was recently noted by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), the inter-governmental organism that unites 41 producing companies under its head office in Paris.

International wine exchanges for Italy have been on the rise since 2001, and reached 78.7 million hectoliters in 2005, for an increase of 3% in respect to 2004, and representing 33.4% of world consumption (it claimed only 18% in the ‘80’s).

In an interview with OIV president, Federico Castellucci, on the global situation, he noted that, “This means one out of three bottles are not consumed in the country of origin”. And, according to Castellucci, “the strong tension on exportation should result in a better choice of wines at reasonable prices” at a global level.

As for wine consumption, OIV notes that international numbers, after a long regression period, are now on the rise, with a slight increase of 1 million hectoliters per year. Italy and France, on the other hand, have confirmed a decrease in consumption, thought the rate has slowed in respect to recent years. Consumption within the 15 member EU has stabilized at 126.8 million hectoliters. France remains the strongest consumer with 55.4 liters per year per person, followed by Portugal with 52.6 liters, and Italy with 51.1 liters. Spain lags at sixth place, behind Switzerland and Croatia, with 33.6 liters.

As for global wine production in 2005, it reached a total of 282 million hectoliters, between 5.7 and 8.1% more than in 2004. The 15 member European Union production was valued at 163,8 million hectoliters, 12.3% of 2004.

The potential wine production, according to OIV, was marked by an increase in vineyards worldwide by 7,930 hectares. For the 25 member EU, total vineyard area has decreased from 3,617 to 3,600 million hectares, while vineyards in the rest of the world have grown from 4,314 to 4,342 million.

The International Organization of Vine and Wine, which aims to increase the number of wine consuming countries worldwide, is closely following developments on Chinese and Indian markets, who have demonstrated a large growing interest in wine products. China, which continues to plant vineyards, is even thinking of joining OIV, whose regulations the country has already adopted. The Chinese region of Yantai is now under observation by the international organization.