In the last two decades, Italian wine exports have surged nearly threefold (+188%), penetrating markets across 140 foreign countries. This growth has propelled wines to the forefront of Italy’s global agri-food exports, a revelation unearthed by Coldiretti, the Italian farmers’ association, through an in-depth analysis of Istat data unveiled at the 2024 Vinitaly trade show. Vinitaly wrapped up its annual gathering this year, drawing in 97,000 attendees and over 30,000 international stakeholders (+2%), representing a diverse spectrum of 146 nations. Of particular note was the remarkable 20% surge in top-tier buyers, totaling 1,200 individuals from 65 countries, selected by VeronaFiere in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency.
Amid these global forays, France emerges as a standout arena, witnessing a remarkable +321% spike in Italian wine imports, tallying €316 million in 2023 alone. Stateside, the United States, commanding the apex of Italian wine exports, saw a robust +148% imports uptick, raking in a hefty €1.76 billion. Meanwhile, Germany, Italy’s second-largest export market, saw a respectable +69% climb, reaching €1.19 billion in 2023. Not to be overlooked, the United Kingdom experienced a staggering +186% surge, amounting to €843 million.
Fueling this success story is Italy’s sprawling viticultural landscape, boasting 674,000 hectares of vineyards, with 125,000 dedicated to organic cultivation, and a rich tapestry of 570 indigenous grape varieties. This biodiversity, nurtured by the endeavors of 240,000 wine-producing enterprises, yields a palette of 529 wines bearing coveted PDO and PGI designations.
Despite grappling with adversities such as a historic downturn in production due to the pernicious downy mildew parasite and geopolitical tensions impacting market dynamics, Italy’s wine industry stands resolute, a testament to its enduring resilience amidst the tumult of 2023.