Italy vintners are expected to produce 47 million hectoliters of wine this autumn, a 12 per cent up to last year, according to Italian Union of Winemakers (UIV) data. With a reduction of -1% (46,5 million hectoliters) compared to the last year, France will this year lose its number one standing in the production of wine to Italy. Spain will also see a crop in the quantity of grapes harvested: production is expected to fall down -3% (43 million hectoliters) compared to the last year.
Domenico Zonin, the president of Italian Union of Winemakers (UIV) said that: “This year’s harvest has started earlier than usual because of the good weather and already about 30 per cent of grapes have so far been picked”. Much of Italy, this year, experienced a plenty of sunshine and not much rain, therefore the harvest has improved. Damp conditions, indeed, are detrimental to vines because they encourage fungal rot.
The wine sector is worth about 10 billion euros a year, half of which consists of overseas export. It’s is crucial component of the economy, particularly at a time of stagnation in the domestic market. “With an increase of more than 12% over last year, the harvest can help also the recovery of the domestic market where the demand is suffering”- pointed out Domenico Zonin– “This kind of progress can be achieved by moving ahead with a common strategy and initiatives that are based on national efforts. If we want to make the growth of wine industry sustainable in the long run, then Italy will also need to be more competitive”. Meanwhile, the trade policy on prices and promotions is crucial.
As shown by UIV data, Italian wine industry is going through a period of transformation. Referring to Mipaaf and UIV data, President Domenico Zonin commented: “The report underlines the existence of two different changing realities in the same Italian market”. One is the segment of premium wines which is strong and with excellent prospects for continued to growth over next few years. The other is the segment of wines without Pdo wine designation, where producers are suffering international export conditions and are penalized due to prices.