Wine production across the world dropped by 6% to 250.9 million hectoliters in 2012, compared to 2011 figures, according to the global economic vitiviniculture report drafted by International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), an intergovernmental organization with expertise in the field of vines, wine and wine-based beverages.The decrease in worldwide wine production was primarily due to reduction in number of vineyards and poor weather conditions.
In the European Union, wine production was down by 10% to 141.3 million hectoliters, with France and Spain reporting a drop of 16.8%and 11.2%, respectively.
The area under vines in Europe decreased to 4,212 million hectoliters, down by 0.8% between 2011 and 2012. However, area under vines in regions outside Europe increased by 0.3% to 3,363 million hectoliters.
Among different nations, Italy topped the list of exporters in 2012 with volumes of 21.5 million hectoliters, followed by Spain and France with 19.1 and 15 million hectoliters, respectively.
Wine consumption across the globe rose to 245.2 million hectoliters in 2012, with the US reaching 29 million hectoliters and China recording 9% rise, as against 2011 figures.
