The estimation for global wine consumption in 2024 is 214 million hectolitres, which is a 3.3% decrease from 2023. This figure would represent the lowest global consumption level since 1961 if it is confirmed.

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) proclaimed this on Tuesday, April 15th, emphasising the significance of multilateral cooperation and adaptability to evolving circumstances. The organisation published statistics on production, consumption, and trade for all producing and consuming countries (more than 180) in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the sector for the 2024 calendar year.

Particularly, he observed that this decrease in consumption is the result of “a confluence of economic and geopolitical factors that generate inflation and uncertainty, as well as a decline in mature markets, driven by evolving lifestyle preferences, shifts in social habits, and generational changes in consumer behaviour.” Nevertheless, the consumption of wine has never been so prevalent on a global scale in 195 countries. It is important to bear in mind that numerous countries with substantial populations and high aggregate consumption still possess substantial growth potential.

The OIV observed that the global vineyard area has decreased over the past four years. A reduced rate of decline was suggested by a 0.6% contraction to 7.1 million hectares in 2024. The primary reason for this decline is the clearance of vineyards in the primary wine-growing regions. However, certain countries are exhibiting a dynamic expansion of their vineyards, as explained.

In 2024, it is anticipated that the global wine production will reach 226 million hectolitres, the lowest level in over 60 years, a 5% decrease from 2023. This is predominantly the result of climate change, which is driving unpredictable and extreme weather events in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand

The OVI anticipates that the global market balance will persist in 2024, despite the ongoing declines in both production and consumption. This is due to the fact that production is unlikely to surpass demand, a trend that was observed during the subpar 2023 harvest. “The market may be stabilised by two consecutive years of low production, although stock levels are expected to remain inconsistent across regions.” “International trade preserves its volume and value,” it clarified.

The export volume remained consistent at 99.8 million hectolitres. The average export price of €3.60/litre remains at a historically high level, despite a minor decrease in export value by 0.3% to €36 billion. In comparison to pre-pandemic years, prices remain elevated by nearly 30% due to inflation and inadequate supply.

Director General John Barker of the OIV stated that the wine sector faces a challenge in adapting to all of these impacts; however, successful adaptation will provide opportunities. These are the components that will propel progress in the wine sector: collaborating to create climate change solutions and establish wine as a sustainability benchmark; investing in research on new audiences to gain a better understanding of their perspective on wine; and fortifying our dedication to global trade and multilateralism.

An ambitious proposal that encompasses over 60 events for all audiences was unveiled this morning: Torrevieja’s Cultural Programme for the months of May to August 2025. The presentation was headed by Antonio Quesada, the Councillor for Culture; Manuel Esteban Moreno, the coordinator of the Joaquín Chapaprieta Municipal Institute of Culture; and Lalo Díez, the Director of Culture of Torrevieja.

Entertainment options for all ages, including musicals, concerts, theatre performances, ballet, comedy, and festivals, will fill the summer calendar. By providing a high-quality programme at its primary facilities, the Municipal Theatre and the International Auditorium, the city is fortifying its dedication to culture.

This is evidenced by the attendance figures, which have continued to increase since the beginning of 2025, with over 60 events occurring in the first four months of the year. March was a record-breaking month, with 21 introductory sessions and 14,000 attendees, resulting in a total of over 24,000 attendees by the beginning of April.

The Culture social media platforms are experiencing continued expansion, with 11,223 followers on Facebook and 7,290 on Instagram. In Torrevieja and the surrounding area, as well as in other countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom, 297,000 individuals viewed content on these social media channels last month.

The programme will commence with a bang with the premiere of “The Physician.” From April 25th to 27th, the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre will host a musical adaptation of Noah Gordon’s bestseller. The production is expected to captivate Torrevieja audiences, as it has already garnered eleven BroadwayWorld Awards and five Music Theatre Awards, and has been a critical favourite during the 2018-19 season, with a total of over 300,000 spectators. Additionally, it has performed in Madrid for two consecutive seasons.

In May, the Europa 2025 Gala and the Royal Film Concert Orchestra’s tribute to Williams, Zimmer, and Morricone will commence. “El Monaguillo,” which has already sold out a significant portion of its tickets, will return to Torrevieja. Two events that are certain to be sold out in the upcoming weeks.

The Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra (OST) will present its concert of “Mozart and Spanish Music” on the local side. The following day, Shani Ormiston will perform an intimate concert at the Municipal Theatre to introduce her new EP, “Vital.” The “Divas” tributes, which showcase the finest performances of legendary vocalists including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Lady Gaga, will return a week later. This will be followed by the “Me cuesta tanto olvidarte” tribute to the iconic Spanish pop band Mecano.

Sabor & Cultura, an intimate experience that integrates gastronomy, wine, and music within the Teatro Municipal, will continue in May. The following events will take place throughout the month: “La Función Que Sale Mal,” a comedy that has captivated over 450,000 spectators in Madrid and is currently in its sixth successful season; “La Colección,” featuring the renowned actor José Sacristán; the Tribute to Copla and the Pasodoble by the band Los Salerosos; and the highly anticipated concert by the rising star Marta Santos, whose final tickets are already selling out.

Our city will commence June with the arrival of one of the most iconic musicals in history: The Phantom of the Opera. This production commences its eagerly anticipated Spanish tour with a stop at the Torrevieja Municipal Theatre on June 6, 7, and 8, following its enormous triumph in Madrid, where it captivated over 160 million viewers in 21 languages in approximately 195 cities worldwide.

The upcoming month will feature a double performance by comedian Galder Varas at the International Auditorium, which is also on the brink of selling out; the 15th Festival de la Copla, which is organised by the Andalusian Cultural Association of Torrevieja; and the return of another Candlelight session, which will showcase classical music by candlelight.

Antoñito Molina, a singer-songwriter from Cádiz, will appear in Torrevieja at the end of June to perform an unforgettable show as part of his “Me Prometo” tour. In addition, he will be participating in numerous performances that will showcase the talents of the local community, including a concert featuring the Barcelona Clarinet Players and the Unión Musical Torrevejense.

The month of July is brimming with local talent, including the 30th Habaneras Night on the Beach, the Mario Bustillo Orfeón de Torrevieja, and concerts by the Francisco Casanovas Flute Orchestra.

The Musical Society of the City of Torrevieja “Los Salerosos” will organise the XIII International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the V National Festival of Youth Bands, which will feature the participation of national entities from Callosa de Segura, Paiporta, Catarroja, and Torrevieja. The event will subsequently continue with another Candlelight.

But as every year, the biggest event in July will be the 71st International Habanera and Polyphony Competition, from July 20th to 26th, where choirs from around the world will perform the most iconic habaneras. As a major highlight, the opening gala will feature Sole Giménez, one of the most iconic voices in Spanish music.

The month will conclude with the return of the Reggaeton Beach Festival, which will transform Torrevieja into the urban music epicentre for two days. The festival will feature artists such as Justin Quiles, El Alfa, and Chencho Corleone.

The “Solera, Salero y Compás” Festival, which is organised by Casa Andalucía, will hold its third edition in August, the final month of the current season. The VII Chirigota Festival, which is organised by the Chirigota Cultural Association “Los Sangochaos,” will feature four groups of the genre.

The fifth edition of the Brilla Torrevieja festival will also be presented, with confirmed artists such as Camilo, Rels B, Walls, and Luli Pampin, and two more sessions by Candlelight.

Cultura Torrevieja is committed to preserving the city’s reputation as a cultural destination that is a must-see this spring and summer by offering a diverse selection of performances that are sure to captivate all audiences. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy exciting artistic experiences and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and entertainment. Tickets for nearly all of these activities are available for purchase on the www.culturatorrevieja.com website.

NOTABLE NAMES:

-The Doctor

-The Altar Boy

-Divas

-It’s so hard for me to forget you

-The Function That Goes Wrong

-The Collection, with José Sacristán

-Marta Santos

-Antoñito Molina

-Galder Varas

-The Phantom of the Opera

LOCAL PROGRAMMING:

-71st edition of the International Habaneras and Polyphony Competition

-III Festival “Solera, Salero y Compás”

-VII Chirigotas Festival

-13th International Festival of Music Bands of the City of Torrevieja and the 5th National Festival of Youth Bands

The UK government has implemented a temporary prohibition on the importation of cheese and meat products from the EU by holidaymakers in order to mitigate the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease.

Since Saturday, travellers have been prohibited from returning with items such as cured meat and cheese, including those used in sandwiches, as a result of the expanding pandemic on the continent.

Regardless of whether the products are purchased from a duty-free store or are packaged or packed, the restrictions remain in effect.

It follows an earlier prohibition of comparable products from Hungary, Slovakia, Germany, and Austria in response to the escalating prevalence of the cattle disease in those nations.

The restrictions are applicable to individuals who arrive in Great Britain, not Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

If individuals attempt to bring in products, they will be confiscated and destroyed. In “serious cases,” individuals may be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.

Among the restricted products are:

Pork, beef, lamb, mutton, goat, venison, other products created from these meats, such as sausages milk and dairy products like butter, cheese, and yoghurt.

Individuals are permitted to bring a maximum of 2kg of reconstituted infant milk, infant food, or special food that is required for medical purposes.

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious virus that can result in lameness and nutrition difficulties, as well as blisters in the mouth and under the hooves of animals.

At present, there are no instances of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom.

The most recent outbreak in the United Kingdom occurred in 2001. Despite the fact that there were only 2,000 confirmed cases, over six million sheep, cattle, and swine were slaughtered.

This is due to the fact that each of those instances resulted in the slaughter and burning of all of the livestock on a property.

The National Farmers Union’s president, Tom Bradshaw, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision to extend the initial prohibition, stating that it was “quick” to implement it.

He stated that “increased border controls are imperative” in order to contain the disease.

Mr. Bradshaw advocated for “a comprehensive cross-government biosecurity plan that would establish these restrictions on a permanent legislative basis and receive the requisite investment.”

The Guild of Fine Food, which represents independent food and drink retailers, stated that the ban on ‘holiday treats’ was ‘hurried’. However, it also noted that it brought the UK government’s policy for holidaymakers more in accordance with the restrictions already in place for small businesses.

“The food and drink industry is unequivocally in favour of the importance of biosecurity and the protection of our farmers,” stated John Farrand, the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food.

He stated, however, that the “bureaucracy” that was implemented following Brexit had imposed “significant constraints” on minor food and drink importers and exporters..