Codorníu to increase grape purchases by 20% despite weaker wine consumption
Codorníu plans to increase grape purchases by 20% for the next harvest even as wine consumption declines slightly in domestic and international markets. The decision points to stronger procurement needs at the producer despite a difficult demand environment.
Purchasing plan diverges from consumption trend
Codorníu will increase its grape purchases by 20% for the next harvest, the Cava and wine producer announced on Monday. The expansion comes despite a slight decline in wine consumption in both the domestic market and international markets. The decision creates a notable contrast between weaker end-market demand and the company’s requirements for agricultural raw materials.
The announcement does not specify the volume of grapes Codorníu purchased during the previous harvest, so the absolute increase cannot be calculated from the information available. It also does not provide a value for the planned purchases or identify the grape varieties and production areas covered. The central commitment is therefore the 20% increase itself, rather than a disclosed tonnage or spending target.
Implications for growers and the supply chain
For grape growers supplying Codorníu, a 20% purchasing increase could provide a larger commercial outlet during the next harvest. Its effect on individual producers will depend on how the additional demand is distributed across varieties, regions and contracts. No purchase prices or contractual terms were disclosed, leaving the impact on growers’ revenue and margins unclear.
The plan also indicates that current consumption figures do not translate directly into lower procurement across every part of the wine industry. A producer can require more grapes while the wider market contracts slightly, depending on its inventory position, production plans and product mix. Codorníu did not state which of these factors led to the decision, and the announcement should not be interpreted as evidence of a broader recovery in wine demand.
Lower-alcohol preferences add market pressure
The company’s decision comes as consumers show a tendency toward wines with a lower proportion of alcohol, according to the announcement accompanying the purchasing plan. That preference adds another variable for producers already dealing with slightly weaker consumption. Wineries must determine how much raw material to secure while considering both the total volume sold and changes in the types of wine consumers choose.
For processors, distributors and investors, the next questions concern how the additional grapes will be used and whether greater purchasing supports higher production, a different product mix or other operational needs. Those details were not provided. Until Codorníu discloses volumes, prices or production targets, the clearest immediate effect is upstream: the company intends to compete for 20% more grape supply during the next harvest even though the overall consumption backdrop remains soft.
