Italian wine production is expected to see a 25% drop to 41.1 million hectolitres in 2017, down 13 million hectolitres compared to last year, according to estimates from wine association Assoenologi.
The main factors contributing to this decline are this year’s variable and harsh weather conditions, which ranged from extreme heat and drought to late freezes and hail.
All Italian regions have recorded significant production decreases, with Lazio and Umbria hardest hit (-40%), followed by Sicily (-35%). The only exception is Campania, which, after the difficult vintage of last year's season, has recorded a 5% increase.
In spite of the decrease in production, farmers' association Coldiretti is forecasting a 4.7% growth in Italian wine exports compared to last year, when exports reached a total of €5.6 billion.
Furthermore, the group is also expecting Italy to overtake France as the leading wine producer, as initial estimates also show a sharp decline in production in France and Spain due to poor weather conditions.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine. Article by Branislav Pekic.
