Vineyards in Penedès, Barcelona, are facing a challenging situation due to the ongoing drought affecting the region. The Cava Denomination of Origin (DO) wineries closed last year with record-breaking figures, selling 252 million bottles worldwide and billing 2.2 billion euros. Despite the strong performance, international demand, especially from the United States, has decreased significantly.
The drought has led to a nearly 30% decrease in grape production in the DO Cava as a whole, with Catalonia being the most affected region with a 37.8% drop in grape production in the last three years. Wineries are now facing challenges as they may struggle to meet the demand with reduced grape supply.
To address the impact of the drought, the Regulatory Council of the DO Cava announced the creation of a guarantee provision tool to help wineries secure reserves of base wine. This initiative aims to support wineries in maintaining their production levels despite the challenging conditions.
The sector is also considering a price increase to offset the drop in production and increased costs. The DO Cava has been working to raise the value of its product and compete with other sparkling wines like champagne and prosecco.
Despite the challenges, the domestic market has shown growth, driven by increased tourism in Spain. However, the international market has remained stagnant, with the United States experiencing a 13.5% decrease in demand for cava.
The sector remains optimistic about overcoming the challenges posed by the drought and maintaining its position in the global market. Stay updated with the latest economic news and developments in the sector by following Cinco Días on social media platforms.