Spain led the increase in wine production in the EU in 2024, more than double the growth of Italy, the main European producer

Spain will record a 17.6% increase in wine production this year, followed by Italy with 7%, making both countries the only two major producers in the European Union where "positive signs" are expected in this harvest, according to a report published on Thursday by the Committee of Community Agricultural Organisations and Cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca). Italy will nevertheless surpass Spain in production volumes, with 41 million hectolitres estimated for 2024, while Spain will be in second place, with some 38.1 million hectolitres. The "considerable" increase in production in Spain occurs despite the "difficult weather conditions" and in particular the drought, the same document specifies. And it occurs at a time when the last harvest has been characterised by low grape prices and the anger of producers with the wineries. Climate change is bringing forward the start of the harvest in Spain, with some areas already starting in the second half of July. By area, the increase in wine ...