Austria will export less wine at a higher price in 2023

Fewer wine sales, but at higher prices: This is the result of the annual report by Österreich Wein Marketing GmbH (ÖWM). Sales of Austrian wines came under pressure at home and abroad in 2023. This was due to inflation and higher interest rates as well as the general economic situation.

In the domestic market, 1.8 per cent fewer Austrian wines were served in the catering trade in the first nine months of 2023, while sales rose by 2.7 per cent. In the food retail sector, 2.5 per cent less wine was sold, but sales increased by 2.7 per cent.

According to the data from January to September, ÖWM also expects only a slight increase in exports. The most important markets developed very differently in terms of volume and value:

• Germany: -3.1 per cent volume, +13 per cent value
• Switzerland: -25.7 per cent volume, -16.6 per cent value
• Netherlands: -7.9 per cent volume, -0.9 per cent value
• USA: -9.1 per cent volume, -5.6 per cent value
• Scandinavia: -6 per cent volume, -5.5 per cent value
• Canada: +10.8 per cent volume, +11.1 per cent value
• Asia: +53.6 per cent volume, +60.3 per cent value
• United Kingdom: -7.2 per cent volume, -12.5 per cent value

While sales in the UK continue to suffer from the consequences of Brexit, ÖWM Managing Director Chris Yorke described Switzerland, the second most important export market, as a "problem child". Red wine in particular is currently showing weaknesses there.

Overall, the volume of exports fell by six per cent, while the value of exported wines rose by 2.8 per cent to 234 million euros. The average price per litre even reached an all-time high of 3.74 euros. It has risen in all major markets since 2019 with the exception of Canada, where it fell by 3.5 per cent. However, the value growth rates of 26.8 per cent between 2019 and 2022 are far out of reach. With the VieVinum wine fair, which takes place in Vienna from 25 to 27 May, ÖWM wants to boost exports again.

(al / ÖWM)

More on the topic:

• Significant decline in wine imports in Germany
• New export sales record for Austria's wines