OBSERVATORI INTEL·LIGENT

Yesterday afternoon, ACCIÓ, in collaboration with INNOVI, presented the report "The Wine Value Chain in Catalonia" in Vilafranca del Penedès, offering a detailed overview of the wine and cava sector in Catalonia. According to the study, this sector generates an annual business volume of €3.267 billion, equivalent to 1.2% of Catalonia's GDP.

Key Data from the Report:

• Business Volume and Employment: The wine and cava sector in Catalonia consists of 1,384 companies, employing nearly 10,500 people. Since 2016, the sector's business volume has doubled.
• Business Consolidation: The wine business network in Catalonia is robust, with 81.2% of companies having over 10 years of experience. Additionally, 95.7% of the companies are SMEs.
• Exports: Nearly half of the companies in the sector (49.5%) are exporters. In 2023, Catalonia's wine and cava exports totaled €615 million, five times the import volume. Catalonia has led exports of still and sparkling wines abroad over the past decade, accounting for 21.1% of the state's total sales.

The report also provides a detailed view of the sector, from vineyard cultivation and care to the marketing of wines and cavas. Wineries stand out, representing the largest number of companies, business volume, and jobs. Additionally, it highlights that Catalonia is an international benchmark in wine quality, with 12 Designations of Origin and 19 Catalan wines bearing the Qualified Estate Wine (VFC) distinction.

Sector Challenges and Trends:

The Catalan wine sector is undergoing a transition, with two clear lines of transformation:

• Sustainability: The commitment to sustainability includes reducing water consumption, increasing circular economy processes, and regenerating and reusing soils. This trend aims to reduce the environmental footprint, offer healthier products, increase the supply of organic wines, and expand the variety of flavors.
• Technology and Digitalization: The introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, and robotics is having a growing impact on the sector. These tools contribute to greater control throughout the wine cultivation, production, and processing phases, as well as in marketing, where optimal traceability helps enhance prestige and increase market presence.

During the presentation, representatives from ACCIÓ and INNOVI emphasized the importance of the report in better understanding the reality of the wine sector in Catalonia. They highlighted the need to continue investing in innovation and sustainability to maintain the sector's international leadership.

Find the full study at: https://www.accio.gencat.cat/ca/serveis/banc-coneixement/cercador/BancConeixement/eic-sector-vins-i-caves-a-catalunya