In 2024, Ukraine processed a total of 31,963 tonnes of grapes into wine materials, marking a substantial 36.5% decline compared to 2023, according to reports from Ukrainian media citing the State Statistics Service.
The downturn reflects challenges faced by the grape and wine industry, with significant reductions observed in both the volume of grapes processed and the production of wine materials.
Breakdown of Grape Sources and Varieties
Of the total grapes processed, 9,771 tonnes were cultivated by wine material producers themselves, accounting for 30.6% of the total. The remaining 22,192 tonnes (69.4%) were sourced from external suppliers. This distribution highlights the reliance of processing businesses on external grape purchases to sustain production.
The most commonly processed grape varieties during this period, along with their respective volumes and declines compared to 2023, were:
- Aligote: 5,220 tonnes (16.3%) ↓ 30%
- Chardonnay: 4,016 tonnes (12.6%) ↓ 10.5%
- Cabernet Sauvignon: 2,742 tonnes (8.6%) ↓ 49.2%
- Rkatsiteli: 2,180 tonnes (6.8%) ↓ 35.6%
- Muscat: 1,974 tonnes (6.2%) ↓ 61.2%
- Riesling: 1,793 tonnes (5.6%) ↓ 17%
- Saperavi: 1,595 tonnes (5%) ↓ 38.8%
- Pinot: 1,415 tonnes (4.4%) ↓ 50.9%
- Sauvignon: 1,080 tonnes (3.4%) ↓ 55.6%
- Odessa Black (Alibernet): 1,080 tonnes (3.4%) ↓ 48%
Other varieties contributed to the remaining processed volume. The declines across these varieties highlight the challenges faced by grape processing businesses in maintaining their production levels.
Decline in Wine Material Production
The decline in grape processing directly impacted the production of wine materials, which fell by 38.1% compared to the previous year. A total of 23.91 million liters of wine materials were produced in 2024, a sharp decrease from the 38.61 million liters produced in 2023.
The utilization of these wine materials was as follows:
- Table Wines: 16.18 million liters (67.7%)
- Sparkling Wines: 6.09 million liters (25.5%)
- Brandies: 911,000 liters (3.8%)
Industry Challenges and Outlook
The significant reduction in grape processing and wine material production underscores the challenges faced by Ukraine’s wine industry. Factors such as adverse weather conditions, economic pressures, and disruptions in supply chains may have contributed to these declines.
Moving forward, the industry’s recovery will depend on strategic investments in viticulture, improved grape cultivation practices, and support from both governmental and private sectors. Enhancing the quality and quantity of local grape production could help stabilize the sector and support its growth in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s wine producers remain committed to delivering quality products, and there is hope for a rebound as the industry adapts to current conditions.
Source: Interfax