201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
Global wine consumption in 2024 is estimated by the Organisation of Vine & Wine (OIV) to have reached 214.2 million hectolitres, down 3.3% versus 2023 and the lowest level since 1961. In its recently-published 2024 industry report, the OIV attributed the decline in consumption – which has “followed a relatively steady trajectory since 2018” – to significantly reduced Chinese demand and the post-pandemic inflation surge which, although having cooled since 2023, still restricts consumer purchasing power to this day. Elevated input costs have made it harder for wine to compete against alternative beverages able to charge a lower price per unit of alcohol.
The OIV estimated global production in 2024 at 225.8 million hectolitres, 4.8% down versus 2023 and, again, the lowest level since 1961. This is attributable to climactic conditions but also market adjustments, as vineyards get mothballed or pulled out altogether in response to low winegrape demand. Global vineyard area has seen a gradual decline, from 7.37 million hectares in 2019 to 7.09 million in 2024. While this should help better balance supply with demand, smaller harvests tend to lead to higher grape prices and – in turn – wine prices, exacerbating wine’s struggling competitiveness in the alcohol aisle.
According to the OIV statistics, in the past three years only Spain and South Africa of the major wine-consuming nations have seen noteworthy consumption upticks, at least partly thanks to the robust price-competitiveness of wine in those markets. Growth towards historically high levels in South Africa was powered by entry-level bag-in-box wines, although volumes did unwind slightly (-2.8%) in 2024 as cost pressures on consumers rose. The recent rise in consumption there suggests growth potential – as yet largely untapped – in Africa more broadly.
April and early May were noticeably slow on the bulk market throughout the world, as the US import tariff announcements and resulting economic anxiety inhibited already-hesitant buying activity. The market lethargy was reminiscent of 2023, which felt like a very slow year before the cumulative impact of two years of shorter crops helped give the market more of its normal ebbs and flows in 2024. Australia has been receiving good enquiry levels following the completion of its 2025 harvest, but activity in Chile and Spain has recently been subdued, partly due to pricing levels as well as the slow-sales fundamental.
From a buyer’s perspective, opportunities persist on a range of high-quality wines selling at softened prices, including southern French IPG varietals, pale Provencal rosés, Argentinian Malbec, Coastal Californian wines, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Around the world, generic wine inventory is being supplemented with declassified varietal wines in an attempt to move them on – more a reflection of where buyer price expectations are currently perceived to be, rather than a consumer trend towards entry-level categories.
While making such a move can be unsustainable for the supplier longer term, it does mean that – overall – the price-quality of the global bulk wine offer is currently very advantageous to the buyer and, in turn, consumer. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ciatti team for the latest buying and selling opportunities; in the meantime, read on for updates 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 |