The study was created for the purpose of quantifiably measuring the socioeconomic and environmental repercussions of the wine industry within the bounds of the European Union (EU).
Experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have established that the wine commerce comprises 1.4% of the entire EU workforce, specifically maintaining a crucial function in countryside regions.
In the year 2022, wine recorded for 0.8% of the total GDP of the bloc, contributing a significant €130bn to the economy of Europe.
Global wine production and commerce is dominated by Europe with a 62% stake.
Exports reached €17.9bn in 2022, leading to a positive trade surplus of €15.9bn. This success is greatly attributed to the wine industry, which contributed to lowering the EU trade deficit by 3.7%.
As stated by Mauricio González-Gordon, the president of the European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV), which prompted the study, ‘The wine sector holds an essential position in supporting the socioeconomic sustainability of the EU’s rural areas.’
The wine industry is a significant contributor to tourism, stimulating nearly €15bn in yearly revenue and acting as an economic boost in rural territories.
González-Gordon regards the wine commerce as ‘a defense mechanism against rural depopulation’.
He stated, ‘In addition, its intricate supply chain produces nearly identical market value at all production stages – from the growing of grapes to the production of wine and its subsequent market presence – emulating a model of a well-adjusted value system that demands political safeguarding.’
The research concluded that workers in the wine trade are more proficient than those in other sectors. The added value per worker is 90% higher than the average in farming, 16% more in manufacturing, and 5% extra in trade occupations, as per PwC.
The paper also applauded the positive influence of vineyards on environmental sustainability. Over 3.2 million hectares in the EU are under vine cultivation, and the paper asserts that they boost biodiversity, control soil erosion, enhance water management, and provide fire safety.
‘The overall equilibrium of wine for EU society is notable and undeniably positive,’ expressed CEEV secretary general Ignacio Sánchez Recarte.
‘But this success story remains delicate and needs to be supported by further adapting the complex legal framework that applies to wine, while preserving wine culture against those attacks that attempt to demonise it. Harming EU wine is damaging EU culture, EU society and the EU economy.’