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Italian Wine Consortium's Growth in 2025

In a striking achievement for the Italian wine industry, the Consorzio Italia del Vino has reported solid growth through 2025, confirming its stature in the global wine market. The consortium, which now includes 24 member companies representing 18 regions, boasts a combined turnover of over €1.5 billion, with approximately 15% of this derived from exports. Such impressive figures underscore the commitment of the consortium's members to promote and enhance Italian wine globally.

Navigating Market Trends

The wine market in Italy has faced some challenges recently, with overall consumption experiencing a decline as household purchases have turned more selective. In fact, 2025 has been characterized by a tangible shift in consumer habits, with a noticeable decrease in daily wine-drinking occurrences. As Roberta Corrà, President of the Consorzio Italia del Vino, elaborates, Italians are becoming pickier, favoring wines that offer freshness, versatility, and drinkability. This cultural change is not necessarily a collapse in the wine market; rather, it reflects evolving preferences, with special occasions becoming more critical for wine consumption than ever before.

The International Landscape

This trend is echoed on the international stage, particularly in key markets such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, all of which have seen a drop in wine imports from Italy compared to 2024. Factors such as ongoing inflation, cautious distribution practices, and U.S. tariffs on European wines have contributed to this situation. Yet, even amidst such adversities, Prosecco remains a robust category, driving Italian wine exports and maintaining a reputation as a 'comfort' drink during uncertain economic times.

Looking to the Future

As the consortium looks ahead to 2026, promising signs are emerging. Stabilizing inflation, coupled with reductions in excess inventory in certain markets, hints at a potential rebound in wine demand. This recovery could be particularly driven by white and sparkling wines, supported by innovative marketing strategies targeting younger consumers eager for engagement. To foster the next generation of wine leaders, the consortium has introduced the Wine Business Academy, a collaborative training program with the prestigious Luiss Business School. This initiative recently completed its first module, and it is designed to equip future wine managers with essential skills and knowledge.

The Wine Business Academy

The academy promises a comprehensive experience for participants, including practical internships spanning from January 12 to March 13, where attendees will gain hands-on experience in various consortium companies and partner projects. Following their completion, students will have the opportunity to present their final projects, culminating in a graduation ceremony in March that will coincide with a press conference at Vinitaly 2026, where selected participants will be announced for contracts.

Welcome to Donnachiara

A noteworthy addition to the consortium is Donnachiara, a winery in Campania, founded by Chiara Petitto in 2005, now led by her daughter Ilaria. Donnachiara is dedicated to producing high-quality wines from historical estates, emphasizing indigenous varieties such as Fiano di Avellino, Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, Aglianico, and Falanghina. With vineyards situated in prime viticultural regions, Donnachiara embodies the essence of Italian winemaking traditions while contributing to the consortium's broader goals of reinforcing regional representation.

As the landscape of Italian wine continues to evolve, the Consorzio Italia del Vino stands firm in its mission to support its member companies, enhance Italy’s global wine presence, and educate potential future leaders in the industry. By emphasizing adaptability in marketing, refining offerings, and focusing on quality and education, the consortium aims to navigate the complexities of modern wine consumption, ensuring a prosperous future for Italian wines both domestically and internationally.