If you enjoy a nice glass of prosecco while relaxing in our luxury lodges in Cornwall then you might want to start stocking up, as drinks bosses have tipped off lovers of the fizzy beverage that there could be a global shortage of Prosecco coming this summer.
A weak crop during the 2014 season looks certain to be the underlying cause, with wine makers reporting a strong reduction in produce.
Speaking to the drinks business during the London Wine Fair this week, Roberto Cremonese, export manager of Bisol, said: “Last year’s harvest was very poor, and down by up to 50 per cent in some parts, so there is a very real possibility of a global shortage.
“We’ll find out how big the problem is in August when the brokers release their stock. At the moment we don’t know how much Prosecco they’re holding on to.
“Because there is such a demand for Prosecco, the négociants are releasing it onto the market slowly and are taking it as an opportunity to put prices up, in some cases by 50 per cent.”
Mr Cremonese added that grape growers in the region were also capitalising on the demand by upping their prices and holding out on sales.
Image: SplitShire under Creative Commons.