Italy is due to  regain its spot as the world's largest wine producer in 2024 as France's vineyards are hit by unfavourable weather, according to figures from each country's agricultural authorities. After a disastrous 2023 harvest, Italy's production will recover eight percent to between 41 million and 42 million hectolitres, the country's main agricultural association Coldiretti said Wednesday.

The French agriculture ministry had estimated earlier this month that French production will fall 18 percent to 39.3 million hectolitres.  Coldiretti noted that this year's output in Italy still remains well under the average of recent years, as different parts of the country cope with either heavy rains or drought.