Barcelona Wine Week kicks off amid concern over US tariffs

Barcelona Wine Week kicked off on Monday amid "concern" within the industry over US President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on European goods. 

Now in its fifth year, the trade fair runs until Wednesday and is set for a "record edition," expanding to 10,000 square meters across two halls at Fira de Barcelona's Montjuïc venue, according to Javier Pagés, president of the event and of the Cava Denomination of Origin (D.O.). 

"Over 1,200 wineries – which is impressive – 80 Denominations of Origin, and more than 800 international buyers invited by the fair," Pagés explained to the Catalan News Agency (ACN). 

US: 20 million bottles 

The US market represents 10% of Catalan wine and cava exports, Pagés said, warning that tariffs could lead to a reduction in sales. 

Around 20 million bottles are shipped annually to the United States, making it a key market, typically ranking among the top two destinations each year. 

Reflecting on Trump's previous term, Pagés noted that although tariffs were imposed on certain products, sparkling wines like cava "were lucky" not to be affected.  

Until the specifics of any tariffs are known, he cautioned against making predictions and urged diplomats and politicians to try to prevent the threat from becoming a reality. 

Freixenet, Juvé & Camps 

Two of Catalonia biggest wine and cava brands, Juvé & Camps and Freixenet told ACN that the US was one of their primary markets. 

Carlota Mensión, Marketing Director at Freixenet, said the US is among their top five markets, along with the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. 

"We're waiting to see how this will impact us," she said. 

Meritxell Juvé, CEO of Juvé & Camps, said that exports make up 80% of their total sales and are "divided" across many markets, with significant emphasis on Canada, Scandinavia, and the United States. 

She admitted that the imposition of tariffs "wouldn’t be favorable." 

'Endemic' drought 

The last edition of Barcelona Wine Week was heavily marked by the ongoing drought, with producers now acknowledging that it has now become an "endemic problem." 

"This year it will probably be less problematic, but we must keep in mind that the climate is changing, and this clearly affects the vineyards,"Juvé said. 

She stressed the need to work with public administrations to find a long-term solution that doesn't involve constantly worrying about the weather, with climate change now a reality. 

Mensión from Freixenet said that the lack of water "doesn't get fixed overnight," but remains more optimistic about this year's prospects. 

Pagés warned that if it doesn't rain, there will again be "problems" in vineyards, although he remains hopeful for "a normal year" following rainfall in the second half of 2024.  

Talks and tastings  

Barcelona Wine Week will also feature talks, tastings, and round tables discussing the industry's ongoing challenges. 

The event boasts 100 more wineries than last year and eight more Denominations of Origin. 

A total of 16 of Spain's Autonomous Communities are represented. Catalonia leads the way with 326 wineries, followed by Castile and León with 233.