| Historically, wine production and consumption have been at home in Europe. The most important countries mentionable are France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. The European Union (EU 27) occupies a leading position on the world wine market. Globally, it accounts for 49.9% of growing areas and 39.1% of grape production, according to FAO data for the year 2006. The European Union (EU 27) produces 60.0%of wine and accounts for 55.4%of wine imports and 72.8%of exports. Wine production and consumption is increasing in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay and in the United States, and decreasing in many traditionally wine growing countries. As a result of growing globalization, the EU... |
