A sector worth 21.5 billion euros and record-breaking exports in the face of epochal crises, between geopolitics in flames, duty alarms and competitiveness at risk. The Italian wine, spirits and vinegar sector confirms its role as a pillar of the national agri-food sector. This is highlighted by the numbers shared during the Federvini General Assembly, helded in Rome. According to Nomisma data for the Federvini Observatory, in 2024 overall exports reached 10.5 billion euros, with a positive trade balance of 8.9 billion, strengthening Italy’s leadership on international markets. But what are the scenarios, especially in the face of a national macroeconomic framework that remains fragile. Italian GDP grew by 0.9% in 2024 and a similar trend is expected for 2025. The prices of alcoholic beverages are in deflation, in the face of sustained growth in the food and food service sectors. In May 2025, consumer and business confidence rebounded after three consecutive months of decline. However, retail sales volumes remain weak, with growth in discount channels, a sign of the ongoing difficulties in household budgets.
Domestic market: cautious consumption, but signs of confidence
In the context of a still cautious domestic economy, the first quarter of 2025 shows a slightly stabilizing market, with some segments confirming positive signs. According to Nomisma surveys for the Federvini Observatory, sales in large-scale retail trade recorded an overall stable trend, with differentiated dynamics between sectors.
Wine generated a value of 694 million euros, recording a slight decline of 1% compared to the same period of the previous year. Driving the segment are quality sparkling wines, with the Classic Method growing by 7.1% and the sweet Charmat increasing by 2%. Generic and sparkling wines remain in difficulty, while wines with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) recorded a +1.1% in value.
The Spirits sector also suffers from a certain weakness with sales of 274 million euros, down 3.2% on 2024. However, positive performances stand out for some segments, such as Gin (+14.2%), alcoholic aperitifs hold up, while Grappa, sweet and bitter liqueurs are down.
The trend of vinegars is more positive, which in the first quarter show a growth of 1.8% in value. In particular, the performances of apple vinegar (+6.4%) and wine vinegar (+1.5%) stand out. On the other hand, Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI suffers a slight contraction of 0.7%, while maintaining a significant market share, equal to 32% of the total sold in large-scale distribution.
As regards out-of-home consumption, TradeLab data indicate a total value of 81.4 billion euros in 2024, up 1% compared to the previous year. Despite a 1.6% drop in visits, the sector is showing signs of holding up, with wine and sparkling wines continuing to play a central role, especially on evening occasions, such as dinners and aperitifs.
2025 data for Italian Wine, Spirits and Vinegars: important numbers, but signals to monitor
Despite the fact that exports of Italian wines, spirits and vinegars have recorded a generally positive trend in the last five years, there is no shortage of concerns related to an unstable current scenario that continues to have repercussions on the costs of supplying raw materials and energy, on inflation and on the employment rate.
A picture that in the first quarter of 2025 showed signs of a generalized slowdown:
wine grew by only 0.7% in value, penalized by the slowdown in the United Kingdom and by growing competition from third countries;
Spirits recorded a +3.1%, driven by liqueurs (+10.9%), while Grappa fell by 14%;
vinegars fell by 1.4%, while maintaining positive performances in 2024 in key markets such as the United States, Germany, France and South Korea.
The international implications of the recent attacks between the United States and Iran cannot be ignored, as they could lead to further trade difficulties. Furthermore, it is not clear what will happen between now and July 9, when the final decision by the US is expected to introduce a further duty of up to +20%, if not even more, on wines, spirits and vinegars. A delicate step that could significantly weigh on exports to the first non-EU market for Federvini supply chains.
