Rome, April 19 (IANS/AKI) Italy overtook France to become the world's leading wine producer, the International Organization of Vine and Wine said.
Italy's wine production surged 12 percent in 2015 to 4.95 billion litres, compared with France's 4.75 billion litres, according to a report by the global body.
Over the past few years, the producers of Chianti and the makers of Burgundy have alternated at the head of the ranking.
Wine production increased by 2 percent worldwide, with Bulgaria and Chile's output soaring by 106 and 28 percent respectively while Spanish and Argentinian production declined.
Overall, wine consumption went up, with the US remaining the top consumer, followed by France, Italy, Germany and China.
--IANS/AKI
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