World wine consumption falls

Wine consumption around the world has fallen by 1% according to the 2008 edition of the Global Drinks Market: Impact Databank Review and Forecast. Declines in western European consumption have cancelled out the gains made in emerging markets with the total world wine consumption standing at 2.65 billion 9-litre cases. Consumption has been in decline for 3 consecutive years after 5 years of gains since the start of the decade.

The report warns that the global recession will continue to hit drinks producers and that a return to growth may still be some time away.