"The gradual decrease in the cost of energy, which was positively reflected in ship transport freight, unfortunately still has not had any impact on the supply of bottles, which continue to be placed on the market at record prices", stated the Association National Traders and Exporters of Wines and Spirits (ANCEVE).

According to data released by the association, glass costs are, on average, 55% higher than the values applied before the war in Ukraine. There are also expenses with energy, transport, as well as the demand for advance payment.

“While it is true that the energy cost has increased, it is undeniable that it has been alleviated for several months. Strangely, there is no reflection on the cost of the bottles”.

On the other hand, there has been a shortage of various bottle models, forcing producers to change procedures and labelling.

The association has once again asked the Government to “urgently establish” a platform for dialogue with representatives of the wine and glass sectors to analyse the current situation and look for ways to solve the problem.

Data from the Instituto da Vinha e do Vinho (IVV) indicate that Portugal produced, in the last harvest, around 688 million litres of wine, most of which was bottled.