As the 2025 harvest season begins across Europe, producers in France, Italy, and Greece are entering a new production cycle with a focus on crop management and maintaining quality standards.
According to data shared through The Charming Taste of Europe campaign, co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by Late Harvest Wines of Bordeaux, Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo, and the Association of Imathia's Agricultural Cooperatives (ASIAC), early harvest indicators show a generally stable season across major producing regions.
© Charming Taste of Europe
In Italy, the 2025 grape harvest is estimated at 45 million hectoliters, with quality described as ranging from good to excellent, according to Coldiretti, Italy's leading farmers' association. In Abruzzo, yields largely met expectations despite localized hail damage. To stabilize the market, regional authorities reintroduced the voluntary reserve measure under Article 39 of Law 238/2016, setting yield limits for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC and several IGT wines, with surplus volumes stored. Organic producers and those bottling 100% of production are exempt, while early release is permitted once 70% of the wine is used.
"The goal is to keep supply and demand in balance," said Alessandro Nicodemi, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo. Harvesting continues to play an important role in regional rural life, maintaining local traditions and seasonal continuity.
In Greece, the 2025 kiwi harvest began in late August, with overall production declining by about 20% due to spring frosts and limited water availability. Expanded planting areas helped offset losses, reducing the total decline to around 30%. Harvesting started with early varieties such as Summer Kiwi and Green Light, followed by Tsechelidis in September and Hayward in mid-October. Grower interest is increasing in newer yellow and red kiwi varieties.
Despite the lower yields, demand for Greek kiwis remains strong in international markets, encouraging ongoing efforts to expand exports and maintain competitiveness.
© Charming Taste of EuropeFor more information:
Bianca Panichi
The Charming Taste of Europe
Email: [email protected]
www.charmingtasteofeurope.eu
