Italy is set to reclaim its position as the world’s largest wine producer in 2024, with France’s vineyards suffering from unfavorable weather conditions, according to data from the agricultural authorities of both countries.
Following a disastrous harvest in 2023, Italy’s production is expected to recover by eight percent, reaching between 41 million and 42 million hectolitres, as reported by the country’s main agricultural association Coldiretti on Wednesday.
The French agriculture ministry had previously estimated a decline of 18 percent in French production, to 39.3 million hectolitres. Coldiretti pointed out that this year’s output in Italy still falls below the recent average, as different regions of the country struggle with either heavy rains or drought.
Since 2007, Italy has been the world’s top producer every year except for 2011, 2014, and 2023, when France surpassed it, according to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
Coldiretti mentioned that Italy is experiencing two different challenges, with the north facing “intense rain and hail in spring and early summer”, while parts of the south and Sicily are dealing with drought.
The combination of heat and lack of rain has led to early harvests in some parts of the country.
In France, the most significant decrease is anticipated in the eastern Jura mountain range, where frosts and mildew are projected to result in a 71 percent decrease in production.
The largest drop in volume is expected in the western Charente region, with production declining by 35 percent.
A 30 percent decrease is forecasted in the Loire Valley, and the Burgundy-Beaujolais area, which suffered severe hail, is expected to see a 25 percent decline in output.
