“这是我从业30年来最严峻的局面”

Core Insights - The California grape growing industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to poor economic conditions and U.S. government tariff policies, as stated by Jeff Bitter, president of the California Grape Growers Association, marking the most severe situation in his 30-year career [1] Industry Summary - The grape harvest in California this year is normal in terms of quantity and quality, particularly in inland growing areas, but many grapes are left unharvested due to a significant reduction in demand, leading to grapes rotting on the vine [3] - Many grape growers are opting to minimize vineyard management during the harvest season, either abandoning their investments or struggling to maintain operations, with only a few able to sustain themselves due to long-term purchase contracts with wineries [3] - The direct causes of the current situation include inventory buildup and sluggish sales, with an increasing number of wineries unwilling to purchase grapes, exacerbated by tariff policies from the Trump administration and overall poor economic conditions affecting consumer spending habits [5] - The tariff policies have led to retaliatory measures from other economies, diminishing the competitiveness of U.S. wines in international markets, with significant price increases making U.S. products less attractive compared to suppliers from Chile, Australia, and Europe [5] - The demand and shipment volume for U.S. wines have been declining over the past three years, reflecting broader economic challenges and changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger demographics who find wine relatively expensive compared to beer or spirits [6]