VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, December 16, 2021—The quality sparkling wines of D.O. Cava have seen a significant increase in sales over the first nine months of 2021, with figures forecasted to match those of 2019 by the close of the year—a positive recovery after the challenges caused by the pandemic.
The presentation of the data was attended by Regulatory Board president Javier Pagés and D.O. Cava winemakers whose brands produce the prestigious Cavas de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado.
“It’s exciting to see the dynamism and resilience of a sector that is overcoming adversity in a remarkable way, all the while staying firmly committed to quality, long aging, and origin,” commented Pagés.
Through September 30, sales already exceeded those recorded in the first three quarters of 2019, reaching 170 million bottles, up by an outstanding 16.45% compared to last year. From January to September 2019, shipments stood at 163.8 million bottles, and in the same period of 2020 at 146 million. The evolution of the last 12 months puts the increase in shipments at 3.36%.
The growth in sales of the most prestigious Cavas, the Guarda Superior category, is particularly noteworthy. Through September of this year, Cava Reserva increased by 34.73% compared to the same period in 2020, with more than 19 million bottles. Meanwhile, Gran Reserva shipments were up 42.11% (2.3 million units). Cava de Guarda also performed well, with growth of 14.4% to 146.8 million bottles (18 million more than in the same period of 2020).
In addition to growth in the domestic market, global shipments have also increased; Cava’s international exports make up more than two-thirds of sales. Domestic sales have seen an increase of 21.15%, to 34.7 million bottles. In the world markets, the figures follow the same trend and are up by 15% (120.3 million) in the first nine months of the year.
In terms of individual countries, the growth experienced in the main international market for Cava—Germany—increased 11.87% (reaching 20.3 million bottles), which is a similar figure to that of 2019. But the most spectacular growth was recorded in the USA (up by 62.91%), which is now the second-largest market for Cava in the world. The growth experienced in the Netherlands (up 22.32%), Russia (up 44.79%), and Canada (up 28.28%) is also significant. Cava sales did not decrease in any of the top 10 international markets during the first three quarters of 2021, a clear sign of the sector’s healthy post-pandemic recovery in sales. The growth trend is expected to continue over time, in parallel with easing restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.
The presentation took place in Barcelona and Madrid, along with a select group of winemakers whose brands produce the prestigious Cavas de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado, including: Bruno Colomer, head of enology at Codorníu; Maite Esteve, CEO of Vins el Cep; Josep Maria Ferrer, CEO of Vins Família Ferrer; Joan Juvé, president of Juvé & Camps; Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets, president of Alta Alella; and Pere Ventura, CEO of Pere Ventura.
About D.O. Cava
With more than 70% of international sales, Cava is the Spanish D.O. which exports the most wine: its 370 associated wineries are present in over 100 countries. The D.O. encompasses more than 93,900 acres of vineyards and more than 6,800 winegrowers. Cava is a quality sparkling wine that pairs perfectly with every type of food, and is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land, and sustainability.
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