The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) has reported a significant decline in global wine consumption, with figures for the past year marking the lowest levels since 1961. According to the OIV, consumption fell to a historic low, driven by changing consumer habits and economic pressures.
In addition to the drop in consumption, global wine production also saw a sharp decline of 4.8 percent, reaching 22.5 billion litres—its lowest point in six decades. OIV statistician Giorgio Delgrosso highlighted that economic challenges have led many consumers, particularly younger individuals, to reduce their alcohol consumption.
“Consumers are feeling the pinch, and more young people are opting out of drinking alcohol altogether,” Delgrosso explained.
The report also points to extreme weather conditions as a key factor in the decline of wine production, especially in the United States, where output plummeted by 17.2 percent. The OIV also noted that US tariffs imposed under the Trump administration have compounded the industry’s difficulties, with wine prices increasing by 30 percent compared to 2020 levels.
In Europe, wine sales saw a 2.8 percent decrease, with France experiencing its lowest production figures since 1957. Nicolas, a prominent French wine chain, attributed the drop in sales to a generational shift in drinking habits, with younger consumers drinking less than previous generations.
As the wine industry grapples with these challenges, the ongoing shift in consumer behavior suggests that the trend of declining consumption may continue in the years ahead.
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