Until a few years ago, the promised land for wine exports – the so-called ’emerging markets’ – was formed by the Bric countries Brazil, Russia, India and China. Today, however, another acronym and other nations, which are more and more interested in buying Italian wine are making their way to the foreground. This is the Mint countries, or that is Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.
Africa, in particular, deserves careful analysis, with considerable investment prospects for the wine sector, although alcohol consumption is partly hindered due to religious reasons.
The spotlight, in particular, is on Nigeria, which in 2014 overtook South Africa’s national Gdp (€315 billion against €270 billion) and in recent years has seen a growth rate of more than 7%. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the population will reach 440 million (now 170 million) to become the third most populated country in the world. In 2014 the export of Italian wine to Nigeria reached €5.3 million and 24,000 hectolitres. We are up 15.3% in value and 22.5% in volume compared to 2013.
Good performances have been seen also in Kenya, which reached €889,000 (down, however, 21% on the previous year) and Ghana with €702,000 and an encouraging 3.4% increase. Also Uganda (€363,000 and up 2.4%); Ivory Coast (€256,000 and up132.9%); Togo (€252,000, down 10%); Congo (€227,000 and up 98.4%); Cameroon (€190,000, down 42.9%); Gabon (€180,000 and up 29.5%) and Algeria (€140 thousand and up 202.5%) are worth a mention.
Not only Africa, of course. The list of countries to watch also includes many Asian countries. Markets which are in part established – such as China, Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore – as well as unexpected world wine trading nations such as Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia. Let’s see the trend in the value of Italian exports in 2014. The biggest surprise is Taiwan.