Having an efficient, fully functioning international bulk wine sector is as important as a healthy blood system pumping around our bodies. The global wine industry might at times look down on the bulk sector as the place for cheap, commodity wines, but producers looking to make wine for markets around the world could not survive without it. But how well do you know how the bulk wine sector operates and what are the key driving forces behind it? As we look forward to the return of the International Bulk Wine & Spirits show in the UK in November 2023 here are the key facts you need to know.

- The top 10 countries for producing and exporting bulk wine by value are Spain; Australia; New Zealand. Italy; Chile; United States; France; South Africa; Argentina; United Kingdom (AAWE, Comtrade). 

- The 10 biggest countries exporting wine to the United States by volume - one of the world’s most important markets for bulk wine are Canada; Chile; Australia; South Africa; New Zealand; Argentina; Italy; France; Spain; Germany (WBWE Bulk Wine Club). 

- The 10 biggest countries exporting wine to the United States by value are: New Zealand; Chile. Australia; Canada; South Africa; Italy; France; Argentina; Spain; Germany (WBWE Bulk Wine Club). 

- In 2021 there was an excess in the global wine supply of around 2.5 billion litres. This is down to around 3 billion litres in 2020. There were 1.8 billion litres in 2019, but an enormous 5 billion litres excess in 2018 (OIV).  

- Global wine production in 2021 saw Italy with the largest individual share at 19% of the world production, followed by France at 15%, Spain at 14%, the US at 9%, Argentina, Australia and Chile with 5% each, South Africa 4% and the rest of the world accounting for 24% Wine Australia). 

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- Five out of the seven ports handling wine in the United States now have “normal” status but two: Los Angeles and Oakland are reporting “congestion”. The situation in China is also improving with four of its seven biggest ports back to “normal” status and three (Ningbo, Quango and Yantian) reporting “moderate congestion” (VINEX).

- Australia, the second most important source of bulk wine in the world, has a 19% drop in the total value of its wine exports for the year to June 2022 to A$2.08b, volumes are also down 10% to 625m litres. Its five biggest export destinations by value are: United States (A$436m up 9%); United Kingdom ($421m, down 10%); China A$206m, down 74%); Canada (A$174m, down 6%); and Singapore A$169m, up 49%).

- The 10 wine-drinking countries by the amount consumed are: First the United States; followed by France; Italy; Germany; the UK: Spain; China; Russia; Argentina; Australia (OIV).

- Bulk wine imports into China rocketed by over 80% between January and June 2022 compared to a 13% drop in volume overall to 183.6m litres and nearly 11% in value to US$730m. Bulk wine though only accounts for around 10% of the market and is worth $14.2m. Bottled imports were down 20% in volume to 119.5m litres and value down over 13% to US$66m.

- The average bulk wine price for Australian white wine in June 2022 was between €56-63 per hl compared to €71-81in Argentina; €67-71 in Chile; €100-109 in California; but only €30-36 in South Africa. The average price for red wines was €33-40 in Australia; €81-90 in Argentina; €57-64 in Chile; €95-109 in California; and €50-53 in South Africa (Ciatti). 

Exhibitor opportunities are now open.

IBWSS UK 2023 is now open for exhibitor registrations. Take advantage of the Super Early Bird Pricing that is on right now.

Join the biggest gathering of the Private Label, Bulk Wine, Bulk Spirits, and Contract Manufacturing Industry on November 15-16 in London. No show offers buyers a greater opportunity to meet producers who offer private label wine, spirits, bulk wine, bulk spirits, and contract manufacturing. Become an Exhibitor today and grow your bulk and private label business in the US market.

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