World wine production shrinks slightly. Italy is biggest producer

World wine production in 2008 is estimated to be slightly down from 2007: 269 million hl, which is 0.4 Mhl less than 2007. The world’s biggest wine producer in 2008 will be Italy with almost 49 Mhl, followed by France (41 Mhl) and Spain (34 Mhl). There is a big gap to number four that is the US. China is moving up to 7th place. Europe accounts for a hefty 66% of the wine production, Asia only 5%, America 18%, Africa 4% and Oceania 5%. Source OIV:

Country forecast in ‘000 hl for 2008 in %

• Italy 48 633 -- 18,1%
• France 41 429 -- 15,4%
• Spain 34 630 -- 12,9%
• United states 19 200 -- 7,1%
• Argentina 14 677 -- 5,5%
• Australia 12 431 -- 4,6%
• China 12 000 -- 4,5%
• South Africa 10 261 -- 3,8%
• Germany 9 991 -- 3,7%
• Chile 8 683 -- 3,2%
• World total 269 018