Reports & Statistics
Industry Statistics
Raw Cork Production
Cork is harvested exclusively from the Cork Oak, Quercus suber, found predominantly in the Mediterranean region. Though the tree can flourish in many climates, the conditions that favor commercial use are fairly narrow. The major cork producing nations are listed in this table.
| Country | Forest Area (Hectares) | % of Worlds Forest Area | Production (Tons) | % of Total Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 737,000 | 34% | 100 | 50% |
| Spain | 574,000 | 27% | 62 | 31% |
| Morocco | 383,000 | 18% | 12 | 6% |
| Algeria | 230,000 | 11% | 10 | 5% |
| Tunisia | 86,000 | 4% | 7 | 3% |
| France | 65,000 | 3% | 5 | 3% |
| Italy | 65,000 | 3% | 6 | 3% |
| TOTAL | 2,119,000 | 100% | 201 | 100% |
Uses of Natural Cork
Cork is used in a variety of products - from construction materials to gaskets and most importantly - as a stopper for premium wines. The cork industry employs an estimated 30,000 workers in a variety of jobs.
Wine corks are the most visible and most profitable of the many products derived from cork. In Portugal. they account for approximately 25% of total production by weight and 72% of cork revenues.
This table displays a comparison of the different segments of the cork industry based on Portuguese estimated revenue in 2017.
| Industry Segment (Portugal) | Value in Euros (millions) | % of Total Value |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Stoppers | € 711 | 72% |
| Building Materials | € 247 | 25% |
| Raw Materials | € 12 | 1% |
| Other Products | € 17 | 2% |
| TOTAL | € 987 | 100% |
Wine Stoppers - Worldwide Estimates
Worldwide cork production is estimated to be slightly less than 13 billion wine stoppers per year. The estimate includes agglomerated cork stoppers and champagne corks.
Natural Wine Stoppers - Domestic Market (USA)
The Domestic market shows steady growth, with estimated usage of natural corks exceeding 1,200 million this year. The market continues to expand with the growing premium segment of the U.S. wine market. Growth in the market is estimated at 7% annually.
| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Corks | 103.2 | 89.4 | 75.6 | 73.8 | 68.1 | 64.1 |
| Other types | 37.7 | 29.9 | 28.3 | 33.2 | 29.9 | 30 |
| TOTAL | 140.9 | 119.3 | 103.9 | 107 | 98 | 94.1 |
Sales by Closure Type
Cork Finished Wines Lead the Way in Expanding Premium Wine Sales
The Natural Cork Council has tracked wine sales by closure type for the Top 100 Premium Wine Brands since 2010. Nielsen Scanning Statistics are compiled every 4-weeks. The study is focused on premium domestic table wine, which for this purpose, is defined as wines packaged in 750ml bottles priced at $9 and up. Overall survey results indicate that the number of top brands using cork closures is growing, and that brands finished with cork have enjoyed more robust sales growth than brands finished with alternatives closures.
Pricing Comparison by Closure Type
The Median Price for cork-finished wines among Top 100 Premium Brands during the most recent 4-week period was $21.37. This is $8.46 (+66%) higher than seen for wines finished with artificial closures.
As of 6/17/2023
Pricing Trends
Over the past three years, median price for cork finished wines have increase by 48% to $21.37. This is more than double the rate of increase for wines with alternative closures - $12.91 (+23%).
As of 6/17/2023
Wine Bottles by Closure Type
In the last 4-week period, the Top 100 Premium Brands showed that 72% of tracked SKU items were finished with cork closures.
As of 6/17/2023
Packaging Trends in the US Domestic Wine Market
According to Nielsen Scans for 2022, more than 70% of revenues from domestic wine sales are generated by 750ml bottles priced over $6.
This package type has displayed 131% growth in case sales since 2010.
As of 12/31/2022
Read our latest report about consumer preferences and cork closures
An update of research originally performed in 2004, this study tracks consumer attitudes and favorability towards different closure types, their perceptions of quality and the appropriateness of use for different occasions.