European Wine Summit in Taranto Calls for Policy Shift Amid 14% Consumption Drop

More than 130 representatives from EU institutions, national ministries, wine producers, growers and academic bodies gathered in Taranto for the European Wine Summit, co‑organised by the European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV), Federvini and Unione Italiana Vini. The event was attended by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen and featured a video message from Italy’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida.

Delegates highlighted a 14% fall in wine consumption since 2016, with global volumes projected to decline from 242 million hl in 2016 to about 208 million hl in 2025. International wine trade, after a record €38 billion in 2022, is expected to drop to €33.8 billion by 2025. Speakers argued that Europe’s integrated wine model – linking local production to global markets – remains crucial for resilience, market access and brand development, contributing roughly €130 billion to the EU economy.

The summit called for an updated Common Agricultural Policy that supports investment, innovation and harmonised regulation, while balancing environmental goals with economic viability. “We are not here to lament our difficulties. We are here because we believe in wine,” said CEEV president Marzia Varvaglione, urging stronger connections with society and new adult consumers to secure the sector’s future.