Italy’s wine exports reached a record €8bn in 2024, with nearly 22 million hectoliters shipped abroad, buoyed by strong international demand and stockpiling in the U.S. ahead of potential new tariffs on EU goods, reaffirmed by Donald Trump in recent weeks.
Exports grew 5.5% in value, while volumes rebounded 3.2% after last year’s decline. Sparkling wines drove much of the growth, now accounting for 25% of total export volumes and 29% of value. The segment posted double-digit gains, rising 12% in quantity and 9% in revenue.
Italy retained its position as the world’s largest wine exporter by volume and the second-largest by value, behind France. While French wine exports remained flat in volume, revenues fell 2%, while Spain saw a 3% decline in shipments but a 4% increase in earnings.
STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR PDO AND PGI WINES
According to Ismea’s analysis of Istat data, exports of PDO wines rose 6.5% in value and 7.6% in volume, supported by steady demand for still wines. PGI wines saw more moderate gains, up 1.3% in value and 2.8% in volume, while exports of common wines declined nearly 7% in quantity, though higher prices offset the drop.
U.S. LEADS DEMAND FOR ITALIAN WINE
The U.S. remained Italy’s largest wine export market, accounting for 24% of total foreign sales in 2024, with shipments rising 10.2% in value and 7% in volume. Germany, the second-largest buyer, recorded a 4% increase in value, while exports to the UK rose 1% in value and 2% in volume.
Canada and Russia saw the strongest growth among Italy’s key markets. Canadian imports surged 15.3% in value and 4% in volume, while Russian demand for Italian wines and sparkling wines soared by more than 40% in both measures.