- In the first 8 months of 2024, exports of Italian sparkling wines reached 1.47 billion euros, representing 28.3% of total wine exports (5.17 billion euros, 4.1% compared to 2023).
- Prosecco protagonist: With a value of 1.1 billion euros, it dominates the Italian sparkling wine segment, followed by smaller denominations such as Franciacorta, Asti and Trentodoc.
- Main markets:
- USA: 348.1 million euros (11.3%), with 26.8% of total wine exports.
- Great Britain: 245 million euros (1.9%), 47.1% of total Italian wine exports.
- Canada and France: Strong growth, with 9.6% and 6.4% respectively.
- Russia: Extraordinary increase of 67.7%, with 72.4 million euros.
- Belgium and Austria: Significant increases (14.9% and 23.2%).
- Critical issues: Switzerland (-6.1%) and Japan are declining, while the Netherlands and Sweden still show untapped potential.
2. Market crises and business situations
- Grevepesa Case:
- The Castelli del Grevepesa cooperative is in economic crisis and is looking for a buyer to safeguard employment. Starting bid: 3.96 million euros.
- Objective: to guarantee continuity of employment for all employees, beyond the 3 foreseen by the announcement.
- Wine stocks:
- Total: 42.3 million hectoliters (3.5% compared to 2023), with a predominance of growing white and rosé wines.
- Prosecco leader: 4 million hectolitres in stock, followed by Puglia, Tuscany and Sicily.
- Increases in stocks due to the harvest phase: musts (62%) and new wines still fermenting (293%).
3. Global consumption and future trends
- Global consumption down: Over the last 20 years, wine consumption has fallen by 7.5%, but the United States, Asia and Australia are showing growth in volumes.
- Italy: 21.8 million hectoliters consumed, down from 29.3 million 20 years ago. However, Millennials and Gen Z are pushing for:
- Organic and sustainable wines (85% interest).
- Low-alcohol and dealcoholized wines (53% and 31%).
- Sustainable packaging and innovative formats (light glass and wine in cans).
- Women and wine:
- Female presence in consumption has risen to 41.5% (from 15.5% in 8 years).
- Leadership in hospitality (76%), marketing (80%) and agritourism (75%) activities.
- Wine tourism: In 2024 it generated a turnover of 2.9 billion euros, with strong involvement of female entrepreneurs.
4. Challenges and opportunities
- Challenges: Need to balance excess inventory, boost domestic consumption and consolidate presence on declining international markets.
- Opportunity: Continuing the trend of sustainability, product innovation and wine tourism appeal.
The Italian wine sector confirms its resilience, with sparkling wines as the spearhead and a growing interest in innovation, sustainability and internationalization, despite the challenges posed by stocks and domestic consumption.
