201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
Having largely adhered to a normal timetable, the Northern Hemisphere harvests are now winding down: France and Italy are currently projected to produce crops short of their five-year averages by 11% and 12.8% respectively, while California is on course for a crop – guesstimated at 3.2-3.3 million tons – short by long-term historical standards but in fact not far off the 3.5 million tons that is the five-year average since the state’s 2018 crop, the last to reach the 4-million-ton mark. Only Spain’s crop is expected to near its average, although a rainy end to the growing season is likely to rein-in availability of 11%+ alcohol wines.
None of this news has stimulated a great deal of extra activity on the bulk market. Last year Italy experienced its shortest crop in five decades, with ramifications for demand levels in Spain and, in turn, ripple effects further afield. Partly in response to that demand, Spanish prices have increased and Italy’s crop, although short of the average again, is 7% larger this year versus last. Consequently, the buying campaign is starting noticeably calmer, more accurately reflecting the underlying wine sales fragility.
It was hoped that 2024 would bring a stabilisation of sales volumes after a period of retailer/distributor destocking following pandemic-era stockpiling, but it has not come to pass: in the US, for example, wine’s total retail sales volumes fell more than 6% in the 12 months to 10th August, and it is likely – with similar economic and demographic factors at play – comparable trends are occurring in the major European markets, of which the OIV found that, in 2023, only Spain registered a growth in sales. Growers in both hemispheres have been pushing for higher grape prices to cover elevated input costs and shorter crops, but wineries and bottlers – caught in the middle – are still seeing lethargic retailer/distributor demand. Margins have become squeezed, cashflow tight, assets devalued and the ability to borrow reduced; the end result will be a smaller area under vine.
Forecasting future sales is still challenging, to say the least. Entering the important October-December period, consumer confidence in the US and UK is roughly in line with where it stood at the same stage last year (when festive-season wine sales volumes went on to be disappointing), while confidence in France, Germany, Italy and Spain enters OND slightly higher than last year. The industry will be hoping for, rather than expecting, a final-quarter sales boost.
After a year of shorter crops, however, some bulk items – mainly generic wines and varietal whites – have become harder to come by; potential buyers of 2025 varietal whites from Chile and South Africa are recommended to get in touch earlier than normal. Reds are generally more abundant, with many highlyattractive opportunities available on some very good-quality wines. The Ciatti team stands ready to match-up buyers with suppliers and assist in fulfilling justin-time needs: get in touch with us direct. In the meantime, read on for the latest news from each market.
Greg joined Ciatti in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. Greg has used his degree in International Relations to build Ciatti into the world recognized leader in the alcohol beverage business. Greg is currently the President and CEO of the company and drives the international group.
Steve Dorfman joined Ciatti in 2007 after working with the Brown-Forman Corporation, Fetzer Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and Bolla Wine brands for 24 years. His primary responsibilities are wine and grape sales within California, and the supply demands of markets throughout Europe, South Africa and Australia.
Ciatti has a long history of seeking to provide clients with a well rounded team of brokers whose experience in the industry cover the breadth of the business. John joined the company in 2003 after working as a Winemaker for several of California's major producers for 20 years. John's emphasis is maintaining relationships with California wineries ranging from the largest to the smallest. John has focused on all aspects of growth within the business, from long-term custom crush contracts to spot bulk wine and grape sales. His speciatly is the sourcing and selling of premium varietal lots from the coastal and interior regions of California.
Chris Welch joined Ciatti in 1994, and began brokering bulk wine and grapes in 2003 and became a partner in company in 2007. The premium and super premium segment of the California wine industry are the breeding grounds of innovation and where Chris truly excels. His consistent approach helps small and medium size wineries and negotiants achieve the innovation and growth they seek. Chris also works very closely with the Oregon Wine Industry.
Glenn Proctor joined Ciatti in 2003 and became a partner in 2007. Glenn advises wineries on supply positioning and works closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. He specializes in spot and contract bulk wine and grapes sales from all regions of California. He has over 23 years of experience in wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality improvement, brand strategy, and business development. Glenn was previously the Vice President of Winegrowing for Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines, and before that was a Director at Benziger/Glen Ellen Winery during its rapid growth in the early 1990's.
Johnny Leonardo joined Ciatti in 2004 as a broker and knows that surviving in a dynamic wine industry requires one to be a Jack-of-all-Trades. He has experience in all aspects of winery and vineyard operation, from the field to the street. Johnny has developed and managed vineyards, and worked in wine sales and marketing.
Andy joined Ciatti as a broker in 1996. His areas of expertise and responsibility include grape and fruit concentrates, beverage and industrial alcohol, fruit alcohol and brandy, and food specialty products. Andy's knowledge of these products has allowed him to branch out and work throughout various parts of the world including Mexico, South America and Europe. Andy remains a wealth of knowledge and offers a creative approach to all endeavors.
Todd Azevedo joined Ciatti in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although Todd brokers wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state of California, Todd's focus is on the California Central Coast.
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Customer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Title | Name | Phone | Extension | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Partner/Broker | John Ciatti | john@ciatti.com | 4152640762 | |
Partner/Broker | Steve Dorfman | steve@ciatti.com | 7073213843 | |
Partner/Broker | Greg Livengood | greg@ciatti.com | 4154975032 | |
Partner/Broker | Glenn Proctor | glenn@ciatti.com | 7073370609 | |
Partner/Broker | Chris Welch | chris@ciatti.com | 4152988316 | |
Partner/Broker | John White | johnw@ciatti.com | 4152500685 | |
Broker | Todd Azevedo | todd@ciatti.com | 4152656943 | |
Broker | Johnny Leonardo | johnny@ciatti.com | 4157174438 | |
Broker | Dennis Schrapp | dennis@ciatticanada.com | 9059338855 |
Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |