{"id":40761,"date":"2025-11-09T19:12:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-09T18:12:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vinexposium.com\/?p=40761"},"modified":"2026-01-04T21:23:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T20:23:51","slug":"global-bulk-wine-market-2025-between-tight-supply-and-shifting-tastes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vinexposium.com\/en\/actus\/industry\/global-bulk-wine-market-2025-between-tight-supply-and-shifting-tastes\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Bulk Wine Market 2025: Between tight supply and shifting tastes"},"content":{"rendered":"

As 2025 reaches its midpoint, the global bulk wine and spirits trade is moving through one of its most complex transitions in decades. Supply patterns are diverging sharply between hemispheres, with consumer behaviour shifting faster than producers can adapt and the economics of wine being rewritten by inflation and tariffs, as well as changing consumer tastes.<\/p>\n

The latest Ciatti Global Market Report<\/strong> reveals a fragmented bulk wine sector that is recalibrating, amid regional imbalances, evolving consumption trends and tariff risks. Adaptation and agility are key for both buyers and sellers.<\/p>\n

Structural slowdown in demand<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Across North America and Europe, retail wine sales remain flat or declining \u2014 a trend now that began four years ago. This stagnation is forcing distributors and brand owners to rationalise their portfolios and, in some cases, to surrender shelf space to rival categories such as ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails<\/strong>, beer and low- or no-alcohol beverages. Younger consumers, particularly Generation Z, are less emotionally attached to wine culture. For them, drinks are about refreshment and occasion, not heritage.<\/p>\n

The Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV)<\/strong> estimates that global wine consumption in 2024 was 22 million hectolitres lower than in 2019, the equivalent of half of Italy\u2019s annual crush. Yet within that decline, the mix of demand is changing: white, ros\u00e9 and lighter styles are gaining share, while high-alcohol reds lose ground.<\/p>\n

The UK\u2019s new alcohol-duty regime \u2014 rewarding wines under 11% ABV \u2014 has amplified this shift, accelerating interest in low- and noalcohol products.<\/p>\n

This evolution is more than a fad; it is reshaping sourcing strategies and pricing models across the bulk wine industry. Buyers no longer build inventory for speculative growth. They buy \u201cjust in time,\u201d securing flexible volumes that match current retail needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpirits could soon overtake wine in total volume, driven by cocktail culture and the premiumisation of dark spirits. This shift is significant for the bulk trade: neutral alcohol, fortified bases, and spirit-adjacent wines can be alternative outlets for surplus wine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Bouteilles Photo 2 : (c) Adobe Stock<\/strong><\/p>\n

Southern Hemisphere: A tale of contrasts<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

The 2025 harvests south of the equator reveal contrasting fortunes.<\/p>\n

Chili<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chile, hit by a crop 25% below average, faces tight supplies and high prices. Domestic bottlers and longstanding international clients were first in line to secure supplies, leaving little room for new entries. Generic and varietal whites are particularly scarce.<\/p>\n

Argentina<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Argentina sits on the opposite side of the equation. With a near-average crop of 1.98 million metric tonnes and an estimated carryover of 630 million litres, the country offers globally competitive pricing, notably for generic reds and whites. The liberalisation of the peso has stabilised export operations, while inquiries for low-alcohol Malbecs and ros\u00e9s \u2014 driven by Scandinavian and UK buyers \u2014 signal adaptation to new market trends.<\/p>\n

\u00ab Les spiritueux pourraient bient\u00f4t d\u00e9passer le vin en volume total, port\u00e9s par la culture cocktail et la premiumisation des alcools bruns. Ce changement est majeur pour le vrac : alcool neutre, bases fortifi\u00e9es et vins orient\u00e9s spiritueux deviennent des d\u00e9bouch\u00e9s alternatifs pour les exc\u00e9dents. \u00bb<\/p>\n

South Africa<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

In South Africa, the 2025 vintage came in 11% larger than the previous year, and of excellent quality. With no carryover stock, all supply is from the new crop, ensuring consistency but limiting volume flexibility. The rand remains weak against the euro and pound, keeping South African wines attractively priced for Europe despite the tariff uncertainty clouding U.S. trade.<\/p>\n

Australia \/ New Zealand<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand illustrate the divergence within Oceania. Australia\u2019s bulk market is quiet, abundant in entry-level whites but subdued for reds. Treasury Wine Estates and the newly formed Vinarchy (merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard\u2019s local units) are restructuring toward premium and sparkling segments. New Zealand, by contrast, reports another very large harvest \u2014 so large that some fruit went unpicked. With stocks from 2023\u201324 still heavy, prices are softening, creating tactical buying opportunities.<\/p>\n

\"Photo Photo 3 : Noorbohandelen shop in Torvehallerne market hall. Denmark’s first special shop for fine spirits in bulk (c) Adobe Stock<\/strong><\/p>\n

Northern Hemisphere: stability and a note of caution<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

In Europe and North America, the bulk market shows signs of stabilisation, though at subdued levels.<\/p>\n

France<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

France\u2019s southern regions carry heavy inventories despite a 17% smaller 2024 crop, keeping prices negotiable and often below those of Spain or Italy. Buyers ready to load before the next harvest can secure excellent long-term value. The Cognac area, hit by declining brandy exports to China and the U.S., is repositioning part of its white-grape production toward generic white wine and grape-juice concentrate.<\/p>\n

Spain<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Spain anticipates an average-to-large 2025 harvest following a wet winter and mild spring. With inventories about 10% below the five-year mean, the recent modest softening in prices may be short-lived. Domestic demand remains slow, but the export loading pace is improving.<\/p>\n

Italy<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Italy, exporters are struggling with the 10% U.S. import tariff and a weaker dollar. Bottlings of Prosecco and Pinot Grigio fell 6% in May as U.S. shipments slowed. Still, prices have remained stable, and white-wine stocks are limited heading into harvest. Drought concerns in Puglia and Sicily add to the uncertainty.<\/p>\n

California<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

California tells a similar story of caution. The notional price floor of $2.00 per gallon has softened as harvest approaches, bringing most bulk transactions close to \u201cCalifornia-appellation\u201d levels. For international buyers, this means access to good-quality wines \u2014 especially coastal lots \u2014 at globally competitive prices. Multi-year supply contracts are now common, reflecting both buyer caution and supplier need for stability.<\/p>\n

Strategic recalibration, Spirits crosswinds<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

As wineries battle soft demand, the spirits sector is seizing momentum.<\/p>\n

Global data from the World Spirits Alliance suggests spirits could soon overtake wine in total volume, driven by cocktail culture and the premiumisation of dark spirits.<\/p>\n

This shift is significant for the bulk trade: neutral alcohol, fortified bases, and spirit-adjacent wines (like vermouth or aromatised blends) are gaining attention as alternative outlets for surplus wine.<\/p>\n

In the wine segment itself, competition is intensifying for the \u201clight-and-bright\u201d consumer. Producers are experimenting with blends under 10.5% ABV, organic labeling and innovative packaging such as kegs and slim cans.<\/p>\n

The convergence of wine and spirits \u2014 through hybrids, flavoured bases or co-branding \u2014 is blurring boundaries that once defined the category.<\/p>\n

Outlook: a new, uneasy balance<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

If 2024 was the year of retrenchment, 2025 is the year of recalibration. Supply and demand are finding a new, uneasy balance. The price-quality ratio for bulk wine is arguably the most favourable in a decade, yet global sentiment remains cautious. Inflation may be easing, but its after-effects still shape discretionary spending.<\/p>\n

For now, the bulk wine and spirits market stands at a crossroads:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Structural oversupply<\/strong> in some regions, scarcity in others.
\n\u2022 Rising consumer interest<\/strong> in low-alcohol and innovative formats.
\n\u2022 Persistent geopolitical<\/strong> and tariff risks.<\/p>\n

Those who navigate this landscape with agility \u2014 leveraging multi-year deals, diversifying portfolios and a
\nligning with new consumption patterns \u2014 will turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. The rest risk being left with full tanks and thin order books.<\/p>\n

Worldcrunch Story Lab \u2013 About<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Worldcrunch Story Lab is a Paris-based communication agency that works with business and institutional clients to shape their editorial strategy and deliver<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As 2025 reaches its midpoint, the global bulk wine and spirits trade is moving through one of its most complex transitions in decades. 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