With almost 3.9 billion euros and 10.6 million hectoliters, Italian wine exports close the first half of 2024 with a positive export balance both in terms of volumes (+2.4% year-on-year performance) and values (+3.2%). A result, the one photographed by the Istat data processed by the Uiv – Ismea Observatory a few days after the presentation – together with Assoenologi – of the harvest estimates on September 24 in Ortigia (Syracuse) in the days preceding the G7 Agriculture, which however records a slowdown in international markets compared to the first four months. Bubbles, with sparkling wines, continue to drive, Prosecco at the top of the list, down loose and bag in box, while the PDOs remain stationary.
How the first semester of 2024 went for Italian wine exports: Prosecco continues its run
The first half of 2024, in fact, closes with less brilliant results than expected. It is true that the comparison with the same period of 2023 is positive, but it is equally true that spring has certainly dampened enthusiasm because with the data of the four-month period there were still growths between 6% and 7%.
Sparkling wines are back to driving national exports with +11% in volume (Prosecco in the lead at +13%) and +7% in takings. Net of the increase in bubbles, the trend in exported quantities would be flat (+0.1%). Bulk and bag-in-box deliveries abroad fell by 6% and 5%. Bottled wines are holding up thanks above all to IGTs. Still PDOs are flat (+0.2% volume and +0.7% value), while common wines are down -2.9% in volume and +3.9% in value.
Among customer countries, volume performances worsen compared to April across the entire Top 10, with the USA (+2%) and the United Kingdom (+2.3%) still maintaining slight positive signs, while Germany falls to -1.2%. More consistent red signs for Switzerland (-3.8%), Canada (-1.4%) and France (-10.8%).
In terms of value, among the regions, Veneto extends its growth to +5.7% (to 1.4 billion euros), while Tuscany (+3.5%) surpasses Piedmont (-2.2%).
