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Franconian Wineries Report Solid Harvest as Price Squeeze Deepens

Industry leaders urge stronger promotion of German wine to counter import dominance.

Overview

  • About 3,400 producers in Franconia report a swift harvest and stalled retail sales as price competition intensifies.
  • Association officials say production costs have risen roughly 30–40% while market conditions limit price increases.
  • Imports account for six in ten bottles consumed in Germany, reducing domestic market share, according to LWG data.
  • Climate trends have compressed operations, with the bloom‑to‑harvest period down to about 96 days and picking condensed from four weeks to two.
  • Yields are around 72 hectoliters per hectare with roughly two Bocksbeutel per vine and average must weights near 87° Oechsle; the sector seeks funding and a meeting with Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer as tourism‑linked wineries show greater resilience.