PARIS, November 7. /TASS/. World wine production in 2023 will be the lowest in 60 years, according to a forecast by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) released on Tuesday.

The industry attributes small indicators to extreme climatic conditions.

"In 2023, world wine production is expected to be the smallest in the last 60 years. Based on the information collected on 29 countries, which account for 94% of the global production in 2022, world wine production (excluding juices and musts) in 2023 is estimated between 241.7 million hectoliters (mhl) and 246.6 mhl, with a mid-range estimate at 244.1 mhl. This represents a decrease of 7% compared to the already below-average volume of 2022," the report says.

According to OIV, wine production in Russia, which is a member of the organization, remains at a stable level (4.9 mhl), which is same as in 2022, with an average increase of 9% over the past five years.

As for the countries of the European Union, this year they will face a significant decline in production. The decline is expected to be 7%. Nevertheless, France will become the leading wine-producing country in the world.

"Low production volume in the European Union is expected. Italy and Spain record a significant decrease with respect to 2022 due to unfavorable weather conditions that led to downy mildew and droughts. France becomes the largest world producer in 2023, with a volume slightly above its five-year average," the organization notes.

The OIV notes that its data is preliminary and may be adjusted after statistics for China become available. The International Organization of Vine and Wine unites 49 countries and is headquartered in Dijon, France.