World wine exports down marginally – Italy biggest exporter

World exports of wine was marginally down in 2008 to reach 89 Mhl, -0.4 Mhl compared to 2007. That follows a big increase between 2006 and 2007 of 5.6 Mhl. (Why world exports is bigger than world exports, with more than 5 Mhl, is a mystery. Perhaps the shipping containers leak or the sailors drink a lot?) Italy (17 Mhl) is the biggest exporter, in front of Spain (16 Mhl) with a small margin. France (14 Mhl) is only third causing Gallic frustration. The gap to number four, Australia (7 Mhl), is big though so there is not much risk yet to fall to fourth place. Europe accounts for 69 % of all exports, Asia a miniscule 0.5%, America 17%, Africa 5% and Oceania 9%. A commentary: webinfrance.com. Source OIV:

Country forecast 2008, ‘000 hl in %

• Italy 17 200 -- 19,3%
• Spain 16 475 -- 18,5%
• France 13 703 -- 15,4%
• Australia 6 985 -- 7,8%
• Chile 5 885 -- 6,6%
• United states 4 638 -- 5,2%
• Argentina 4 141 -- 4,7%
• South Africa 4 118 -- 4,6%
• Germany 3 580 -- 4,0%
• Portugal 2 866 -- 3,2%
• World total 88 992