White wine revival: Australia’s industry battles decline with strategic adjustments

Despite some positive trends, the sector is navigating a complex mix of production decreases, shifting consumption patterns and global economic pressures. The 2024 Australian winegrape crush reached 1.43 million tonnes, a 9% increase from the previous year but 18% below the 10-year average of 1.73 million tonnes. This marks the second consecutive year of significantly below-average harvests. Meanwhile, the total wine production rose by 8% to 1.04 billion litres, although this was still the second-lowest total since 2006–07, and falls 16% short of the 10-year average. However, white wine production saw a resurgence, growing by 20% to 531 million litres, marking the first time since 2011–12 that white wine production has outpaced red wine. Conversely, red wine production declined by 2% to 511 million litres, significantly below its 10-year average of 671 million litres. Peter Bailey, manager of market insights at Wine Australia, attributed the below-average production to a ...