This decline has been particularly evident in some of Italy's most renowned wine regions. Tuscany suffered a decrease of 7.5%, with a loss of 69 million euros, followed by Piedmont with a decrease of 6% (-56 million euros) and by Veneto, which maintained its leading position with 2 billion euros exported, despite a drop of 1.9%. Overall, Italy exported 107 million euros less wine in the first nine months of 2023 compared to 2022.
Growing Regions: On the other hand, some smaller regions, especially in Northern Italy, are experiencing increases in wine exports. Trentino Alto Adige saw growth of 3.4%, reaching 469 million euros in exports. Emilia Romagna also recorded an increase of 7.2%, with 348 million euros, and Lombardy recorded a 5.4% increase, bringing the total to 241.5 million euros. Other growing regions include Abruzzo (4.5%), Friuli Venezia Giulia (10.1%) and Puglia (4.3%), while Sicily recorded a decrease of 3.9%.
Company Scenario: Despite these negative data, the Italian wine sector seems destined for a 2024 characterized by significant financial operations. The wine industry is attracting investor interest, particularly for wineries with a strong positioning and quality labels, especially premium ones. This interest is evident in the ongoing negotiations regarding several prestigious wineries, with a focus on territories such as Tuscany and Piedmont. For example, the Argiano winery, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino, is at the center of an operation that could also involve Castello di Nieve, renowned for Barbaresco.
New Opportunities: Furthermore, in 2024 we may see investments in regions and wines that have previously been undervalued or little known internationally. There is talk of a possible interest in the Marche and their Verdicchio, which could become protagonists of mergers and acquisitions.
Curiosity: Finally, in the world of wine acquisitions, an unusual event occurred: the listing of a historic cellar for sale via an advertisement on a real estate website. The renowned Nobile di Montepulciano agricultural company, Poliziano, with over 300 hectares of vineyards, is the subject of confidential negotiations.
In conclusion, the Italian wine sector is going through a phase of transformation and consolidation, with 2024 shaping up to be a year of considerable excitement and opportunity in the world of wine-related financial operations.
