Australia is set to record its smallest wine-grape crush in over 25 years as
weak demand and extreme weather curb output, the Australian Wine Association
said. The association expects the 2026 wine-grape crush at 1.27 mln tons, down
19% YoY and roughly 25% below the 10-year average; annual wine value is forecast
to fall 26% YoY to A$837 mln. Respondents to a national vintage survey reported
late frosts, heatwaves and floods across multiple regions. The group flagged a
fourth consecutive season below the long-term average, saying grape supply is
undergoing a structural adjustment to changing global demand. Global listed
beverage producers’ market capitalization has fallen about $800 bln over the
past five years.
