According to data from the EDOARDO FREDDI INTERNATIONAL Observatory on the trends of Italian wine exports in the world, the end of the war would favor a 20% increase in exports in a few months. Before the conflict, in 2021, Italy exported wine to Russia for a value of 345 million euros, recording an increase of 18% compared to the previous year, while exports to Ukraine amounted to 56 million euros, with a growth of 200% in the last five years.
During the conflict, despite logistical difficulties and sanctions, Italian wine exports to Russia showed resilience. In 2022, exports grew by around 15% , with sparkling wines accounting for more than half of sales. However, Ukraine suffered a contraction in Italian wine imports, with a 35.5% decrease in 2022, reaching 35.8 million euros . With the end of the conflict, according to EFI, the leading Italian export management company in the wine sector, demand will quickly return to growth, allowing Italy to regain lost market shares and strengthen its presence in Eastern Europe.
In addition to Russia and Ukraine, the stabilization of the area could also generate a positive effect on neighboring markets that, in recent years, have demonstrated strong development potential.
- Belarus : despite being a smaller market, it has recorded constant growth and according to the EDOARDO FREDDI INTERNATIONAL Observatory on the trends of Italian wine exports in the world it could expand at a rate of 20-25% per year .
- Kazakhstan : Its booming economy led to a 25% increase in Italian wine imports in the pre-conflict years .
- Azerbaijan : emerging as a destination for premium wines, with an estimated potential of between 10 and 15 million euros per year .
Edoardo Freddi, creator of the EDOARDO FREDDI INTERNATIONAL Observatory on Italian wine export trends worldwide, commented : "However, the recovery of exports will not be immediate nor without challenges. Italian companies will have to deal with the reconstruction of distribution networks, partly dismantled due to the war, and adapt to new customs and health regulations that may emerge in the post-war period. In addition, competition with French and Spanish producers will be even more intense, with a general race to regain market shares. To succeed in this evolving scenario, Italian wineries will have to focus on flexibility in formats, the ability to adapt to local tastes, and innovative digital marketing strategies to reconnect with consumers and strengthen their position in key markets. A strategic and dynamic approach could transform the recovery into a real growth opportunity for Italian wine at an international level".
Edoardo Freddi International is the first Italian export management company in the wine sector, a true "business accelerator" for wineries that intend to play a leading role in international markets. Headquartered in Castiglione delle Stiviere (MN), where it was founded in 2012 by Edoardo Freddi, the company identifies real opportunities, supports wineries in the study and definition of commercial models and in identifying the right partners on foreign markets. Its mission is to connect producers with the best foreign importers and distributors to create an international network capable of developing and increasing business related to the world of wine. It represents the most important Italian wineries (62 to date), acting as a true "ambassador" of the best of the Bel Paese's wine world. The 2024 managed turnover exceeded 112 million euros (8.2% compared to 2023), with over 30 million bottles marketed especially in the markets: USA, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Vietnam.
