VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDÈS, April 2025— Despite facing challenges such as a severe three-year drought that has impacted production and supply, the D.O. Cava region has shown resilience in the face of adversity. While experiencing a slight decline in both domestic and international sales, the region has seen significant growth in certain areas, particularly in the organic Cava sector, which saw a 15.24% increase in sales. Additionally, the association introduced two new Integral Producers and a new Cava de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado in 2024.
In 2024, the D.O. Cava recorded total sales of 218 million bottles, a 13.39% decrease from the previous year. Domestic sales amounted to 78 million bottles, reflecting a 3.5% decrease in volume but a 3.7% increase in value. Internationally, sales reached 140 million bottles, showing an 18% decrease. Despite these challenges, Belgium remains the largest foreign market for Cava, followed by the U.S. and the U.K. Notably, Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden have shown notable increases in sales, signaling potential growth opportunities in these markets.
Key growth areas within the Cava industry include organic Cavas, which experienced a 15.24% increase in sales, totaling 37.3 million bottles. The premium Cavas de Guarda Superior Paraje Calificado also saw growth of 13.33%, with a significant 58.54% increase in the domestic market. These premium offerings have continued to gain recognition both domestically and internationally.
President Javier Pagés remains optimistic about the future of the Cava industry, highlighting the global appeal and growing demand for Cava. The sector’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and traceability has been a driving force behind its success. Notably, all Cavas de Guarda Superior will be 100% organic in 2025, further solidifying the industry’s dedication to sustainable practices.
The introduction of the Elaborador Integral category has helped elevate the Cava brand globally, with 17 wineries now included in this category. The recent additions of Mastinell and Ondarre bring the total number of wineries in this category to 17, all of which conduct the entire winemaking process on their property. The Elaborador Integral label is reserved for wineries that produce 100% of the base wine for their own Cava, craft the entire Cava on-site, and do not source rack-aged or riddled bottles from other producers.
In addition to focusing on product quality and innovation, the D.O. Cava region remains committed to global promotion. Events like the international Discovery Week and The Great Cava Pursuit are designed to engage beverage professionals and deepen their knowledge of Cava. The Great Cava Pursuit competition, in partnership with GuildSomm International, offers participants the opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid educational immersion in the Cava region in Spain.
With over 70% of international sales and a presence in more than 100 countries, Cava is the Spanish D.O. with the highest exports. The industry’s commitment to origin, land, and sustainability is evident in its traditional production methods and dedication to sustainable practices. With continued innovation and promotion efforts, the D.O. Cava region is well-positioned for a strong future, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s finest sparkling wines.
