Grapes market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The grape market volume in Southern Europe experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After a decline to 15.7 million tons in 2019, production rebounded to 17.1 million tons in 2020, largely due to European growers introducing late-season varieties to extend the harvest period and improve supply. However, the market volume dropped sharply to 13.4 million tons in 2023, as new international players like Egypt and Brazil captured demand during periods of European shortfall, intensifying competition.

Throughout the period, consumer preferences shifted decisively towards seedless grapes and organic products. This varietal transition, along with rising investment in post-harvest processes, aimed to meet the quality expectations of key European markets such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

EU regulatory constraints on new vineyard plantings, maintained via the authorization system, limited the expansion of cultivation area. Additionally, global factors like the weak euro and high freight costs redirected South American exports away from Europe, affecting trade flows and market dynamics.

Production grapes in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

In Southern Europe, grape production reached 17 684 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a 9.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 18 205 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 20.9% occurring that same year. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of grape production in Southern Europe amounted to 34 846 million US dollars in 2020, showing a substantial year-on-year increase of 15.6%. From 2017 to 2020, the production value rose by 27.5%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 8.4%. The peak value was achieved in 2018 at 34 921 million US dollars, which also marked the largest annual increase of 27.8%. The most notable decrease occurred in 2019, with a decline of 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports grapes from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, grape exports from Southern Europe rebounded in 2020. The region exported 766.9 thousand tonnes of grapes that year, reflecting a 13.8% increase compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 674.1 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual drop of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom remained the top buyers of grapes from Southern Europe. Germany accounted for 25.8% of exports in volume, France for 14.7%, and the United Kingdom for 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 52.1% of total grape exports from the region during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, grape exports from Southern Europe increased in 2020. Export value reached 1 511 million US dollars that year, up by 20.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 5.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 254 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decrease of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France formed the core markets for grape exports from Southern Europe in value terms. Germany held 28.2% of export value, the United Kingdom 15.5%, and France 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.0% of total export flows during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Southern Europe imported 164.3 thousand tonnes of grapes in 2020, marking a 9.0% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 8.8%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest import volume occurred in 2019 at 150.8 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The import structure for grapes in Southern Europe from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with no single country holding a dominant position. Turkey accounted for 14.4% of imports in volume, Chile for 9.0%, and the Netherlands for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented just 30.5% of total import flows, indicating a broad distribution across multiple suppliers.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of grapes to Southern Europe increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The region imported approximately 379 million US dollars worth of grapes that year, which was 4.7% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, grape imports to Southern Europe were sourced from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—Turkey, Chile, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for only 37.9% of total import value, highlighting the diverse nature of the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020