201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato, CA, United States of America, 94949
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Ciatti Global Market Report, December 2024
As the end of 2024 approaches, we are able to look back over a year on the global bulk market that was, despite common perception, different from its predecessor. December 2023’s Global Report began: “A year of flat or declining wine sales owing to consumer pessimism draws to a close with bulk markets exhibiting the same slowness they have done throughout the previous eleven months.” But the bulk market of 2024 has reassumed something of its traditional character, i.e., with activity levels differing between supplier countries, very crudely summarised as follows: short and active (Chile, Italy), long and less active (California, France), elevated in price therefore less active (Spain, Argentina), steady (Australia), and very low on stock (South Africa).
The main cause of any activity upswings and/or elevated prices has not been increases in retailer/distributor demand – which has remained patchy – but two consecutive years of lighter crops: the OIV’s estimates of world wine production in 2023 (237 million hectolitres) and 2024 (a mid-range projection of 231 million hectolitres) are well down from the 2018-2022 average of 267 million hectolitres and would be the smallest output since the early 1960s. Climatic conditions were an important factor, but there have also been vineyard removals – particularly in France, California, Australia, and Chile – and other, less quantifiable steps taken by growers to keep spending to a minimum during a time of high costs and slow sales: mothballing vines, farming minimally, leaving grapes unpicked.
Ultimately, until consumption stabilises – wine’s retail sales volumes in major markets such as the US, UK and France continued to fall in 2024 – wine needs will often be incremental, fewer grapes will be required, and vineyard surface will shrink. Ongoing consumer pessimism (dubbed a “vibecession” but at least partly a reflection of earnings growth lagging 2021-23 inflation), demographic change, health messaging and proliferating alternative products are not going away in 2025, but the painful supply adjustments the wine industry has been undertaking over the past two years should help ensure it is better placed to meet the incremental, just-in-time buying activity that is becoming the norm.
The markets for white wines in Italy and Chile have been busy, with pre-harvest contracting of Chile’s 2025 varietal whites already well-advanced following the short 2024 crush. Varietal and generic white supply feels balanced globally, given South Africa’s lack of stock. For every area of balance, there are currently many areas of opportunity – for example: 2023 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (now priced competitively with New Zealand GI Sauvignon Blanc); 2024 southern French Pinot Grigio (price-competitive with Italy’s); higher-end Californian and Chilean wines (for mid-tier programmes); Argentinian Malbec (reduced in price by 20% through 2024). Buyers interested in harnessing such opportunities and seeking quick sampling, bottling and loading should get in touch with the Ciatti team, who possess the very latest local and international perspectives and able to draw upon a global network of regional offices. In the meantime, read on for our final market updates of 2024 and may your Holidays, and 2025, be happy and prosperous.
About
With 8 offices world wide, Ciatti serves our clients with the most up-to-date and accurate market information available. Please contact us with any questions. We are truly at your service.
Greg Livengood
President, Partner and Broker
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.
Email:greg@ciatti.com
Steve Dorfman
Partner and Broker
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.
Email:steve@ciatti.com
John Ciatti
John White
Partner and Broker
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.
Email:johnw@ciatti.com
Chris Welch
Partner and Broker
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.
Email:chris@ciatti.com
Glenn Proctor
Partner and Broker
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.
Email:glenn@ciatti.com
Broker
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.
Email:johnny@ciatti.com
Andy Bivona
Broker
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.
Email:abivona@hvc.rr.com
Todd Azevedo
Broker
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.
Email:todd@ciatti.com
Mark Ishimaru
Customer Account Representative - North America
Joined Ciatti in 2011.
Email: mark@ciatti.com
Molly Richardson
Customer Account Representation - Grower Accounts
Joined Ciatti in 2016
Email: Molly@ciatti.com
Administrative/Accounting Assistant
Joined Ciatti in 2000.
Email:alette@ciatti.com
Michael FungCustomer Account Representative - Sample Room
Joined Ciatti in 2013.
Email: michael@ciatti.com
Contact
Contact List
| 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 |
Location List
| Locations | Address | State | Country | Zip Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIATTI Global Wine & Grape Brokers | 201 Alameda Del Prado, #101, Novato | CA | United States of America | 94949 |
List of Locations
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