The future of the Hungarian wine sector is quality and innovation

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 05. 13. 11:01

Hungarian wines are able to compete with the world’s most renowned wine regions in terms of quality, uniqueness and diversity. The future of the sector lies in innovation – said Tamás Tarpataki, Deputy State Secretary responsible for the agricultural market at the Ministry of Agriculture, at the ceremonial opening of the 44th National Wine Competition, on Tuesday, in Budapest.

The Deputy State Secretary highlighted that the existence of appropriate technology and infrastructure is of paramount importance, therefore only through developments can the grape and wine sector be ensured to adapt to changing consumer demands. The Ministry of Agriculture supports, among other things, the modernization of vineyards, investments, promotion and innovation in the CAP Strategic Plan. Nearly 28 million euros are available for these purposes this year, and a total of nearly 112 million euros for the period 2024-2027.

Speaking about the applications, he said that the Ministry of Agriculture has modified the submission periods for support applications so that they are better aligned with the needs of producers. Innovation investment support will be launched as a new element, and this planned call will enable support for the introduction of new technologies and procedures that will allow players in the sector to reach new markets and consumers. Support for the restructuring and conversion of vineyards can be applied for between July 20 and August 15, while investment support can be applied for between November 15 and December 15, 2025. Tamás Tarpataki added that promotion applications are also a priority area, and applications for promotion support for foreign and domestic markets can be submitted until June 30.

Wine market trends require that wineries, in addition to still wines, also launch new products such as sparkling wine, champagne, Murci, must, de-alcoholized wines, cocktails or grape seed oil. All of this requires development and new knowledge from the players in the sector, underlined Tamás Tarpataki.

Describing the sector’s export performance, the Deputy State Secretary highlighted that the sector recorded its highest export volume last year since 2003. The volume growth was 12 percent, which means 1.4 million hectoliters, and the value growth was 16 percent, which meant a surplus of nearly 20 million euros. The growth in exports clearly indicates the importance of international markets. Expanding export markets and increasing the competitiveness of products is key to further progress, he emphasized.