GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Italian Wine Industry Statistics

The Italian wine industry is the largest in the world by volume, with over 50 million hectoliters produced annually, contributing significantly to the country's economy and cultural heritage.

Highlights: Italian Wine Industry Statistics

  • Italy produced around 48.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2020 - the most in the world.
  • Italy's wine exports represented 20.3% of the world’s total wine exports in 2019.
  • The Italian wine industry provides employment to over one million people directly and indirectly.
  • In 2020, the biggest export market for Italian wine was the United States.
  • Approximately 75% of Italy's wine production is of protected geographical indication.
  • The total vineyard area in Italy is estimated to be about 702,000 hectares.
  • About 92% of Italy's total wine production comes from red and rose' wine.
  • In 2019, around 77% of all wine exported by Italy was destined for other EU countries.
  • Prosecco, a sparkling white wine from Italy, saw 11% growth in exports in the first six months of 2020, compared to the previous year.
  • The region of Veneto is the largest wine-producing region in Italy.
  • About 30% of all the vineyards in Italy are located in Sicily.
  • Sangiovese is the most planted grape variety in Italy.
  • Italy produced about 20% of the global wine production in 2020.

Table of Contents

The Latest Italian Wine Industry Statistics Explained

Italy produced around 48.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2020 – the most in the world.

The statistic that Italy produced around 48.5 million hectoliters of wine in 2020 indicates that Italy led the world in wine production for that year. Hectoliters are a common unit of measurement for wine production, and 48.5 million hectoliters represent a substantial volume of wine. This statistic highlights Italy’s significant role in the global wine industry, both in terms of quantity and quality of wine produced. Italy’s wine production is not only important economically but also culturally, as Italian wines are renowned worldwide for their diversity, tradition, and excellence. This statistic underscores Italy’s position as a powerhouse in the global wine market and reinforces its reputation as a top wine-producing country.

Italy’s wine exports represented 20.3% of the world’s total wine exports in 2019.

This statistic indicates that in 2019, Italy’s wine exports accounted for approximately one-fifth (20.3%) of the total global wine export market. This suggests that Italy is a significant player in the international wine trade, holding a substantial market share compared to other countries. The high proportion of Italy’s wine exports relative to the global total points to the country’s strong influence and competitiveness in the wine industry, highlighting its reputation for producing high-quality wines that are in demand globally. This statistic underscores Italy’s importance as a key wine-producing nation contributing significantly to the world’s wine export market.

The Italian wine industry provides employment to over one million people directly and indirectly.

This statistic highlights the significant contribution of the Italian wine industry to the country’s economy through job creation. By providing employment to over one million people directly and indirectly, the industry serves as a major employer in Italy, supporting a wide range of roles from vineyard workers to sales and marketing professionals. These jobs not only help individuals earn a livelihood but also contribute to the overall economic development of the region. Furthermore, the ripple effects of this employment reach beyond the industry itself, benefiting related sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and agriculture, thereby demonstrating the crucial role of the Italian wine industry in shaping the country’s workforce and economy.

In 2020, the biggest export market for Italian wine was the United States.

The statistic “In 2020, the biggest export market for Italian wine was the United States” indicates that the United States was the largest destination for Italian wine exports in terms of volume or value during the year 2020. This suggests that the US market played a significant role in driving the international trade of Italian wine products, showcasing a strong demand and preference for Italian wines among American consumers. The statistic also highlights the importance of the US market for Italian wine producers in terms of revenue generation and market expansion opportunities, emphasizing the economic partnership between the two countries in the wine industry.

Approximately 75% of Italy’s wine production is of protected geographical indication.

This statistic indicates that a large majority, specifically around 75%, of the wine produced in Italy carries a protected geographical indication (PGI). PGI status is a form of quality assurance that signifies a product’s link to a specific geographical origin and the distinct characteristics associated with that region. In the context of Italian wine production, this statistic reflects the significant emphasis placed on preserving the unique heritage, traditions, and quality of wines from specific regions within Italy. By adhering to PGI regulations, producers are able to showcase the authenticity and regional identity of their wines while also enhancing consumer confidence in the products’ quality and provenance.

The total vineyard area in Italy is estimated to be about 702,000 hectares.

The statistic indicating that the total vineyard area in Italy is estimated to be around 702,000 hectares provides a key insight into the significant role that viticulture plays in the country’s agricultural landscape. This figure serves as a quantitative representation of Italy’s vineyard industry, highlighting the extensive land area dedicated to the cultivation of grapevines for wine production. By understanding the scale of vineyard acreage in Italy, stakeholders in the wine industry, policymakers, and researchers can gain valuable insights into the country’s wine production capacity, economic contributions, and environmental impact. The statistic underscores Italy’s status as one of the world’s leading wine producers and emphasizes the importance of the wine sector in the country’s cultural heritage and economy.

About 92% of Italy’s total wine production comes from red and rose’ wine.

The statistic stating that about 92% of Italy’s total wine production comes from red and rosé wine indicates that these two types of wine dominate the wine industry in Italy. This high percentage underscores the popularity and significance of red and rosé wine within the country’s winemaking practices. The statistic suggests that red and rosé wines are likely to be key components of Italy’s cultural and economic landscape, playing a major role in both domestic consumption and international trade. This information is valuable for understanding the preferences and trends in the Italian wine market, as well as highlighting the importance of these varieties in Italy’s overall wine production.

In 2019, around 77% of all wine exported by Italy was destined for other EU countries.

The statistic indicates that the majority of wine exported by Italy in 2019, amounting to approximately 77%, was shipped to other European Union (EU) countries. This suggests a strong trade relationship within the EU, as Italian wine is in high demand among fellow member states. The figure reflects the importance of the EU market for the Italian wine industry, highlighting the significance of intra-EU trade for Italian wine exporters. The statistic also points towards the integration and interconnectedness of European economies, as well as the potential impact of any changes in trade policies or agreements within the EU on the Italian wine industry.

Prosecco, a sparkling white wine from Italy, saw 11% growth in exports in the first six months of 2020, compared to the previous year.

The statistic indicates that the export of Prosecco, a sparkling white wine from Italy, increased by 11% in the first six months of 2020 as compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth in exports suggests a rising demand for Prosecco in international markets during the first half of 2020, which could be influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, market trends, or successful marketing strategies. The increase in exports also reflects positively on the Italian wine industry and indicates a potential opportunity for further expansion and market penetration for Prosecco in the global wine market.

The region of Veneto is the largest wine-producing region in Italy.

The statistic stating that the region of Veneto is the largest wine-producing region in Italy indicates that Veneto produces more wine in terms of volume compared to any other region in Italy. This suggests that Veneto has a significant presence in the Italian wine industry and plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall wine production of the country. Factors such as favorable climate conditions, suitable soil composition, and a long history of viticulture in the region may have contributed to Veneto’s status as the largest wine producer in Italy. Additionally, this statistic highlights the importance of Veneto in the global wine market and signifies its reputation for producing high-quality wines that are sought after by consumers worldwide.

About 30% of all the vineyards in Italy are located in Sicily.

This statistic indicates that approximately one-third of all the vineyards in Italy are situated in Sicily. Italy is renowned for its wine production, and Sicily makes a significant contribution to the country’s wine industry. The high concentration of vineyards in Sicily highlights the region’s importance in Italian winemaking. Factors such as climate, soil quality, and tradition likely play a role in attracting vineyard owners to establish their operations in Sicily. This statistic underscores Sicily’s significance as a key player in Italy’s overall wine production landscape.

Sangiovese is the most planted grape variety in Italy.

The statistic that Sangiovese is the most planted grape variety in Italy means that this particular grape varietal is cultivated and grown in Italy more than any other grape variety. Sangiovese is renowned for being the primary grape used in famous Italian wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Its popularity and prevalence in Italian vineyards indicate that it holds significant cultural and economic importance in the Italian wine industry. This statistic highlights the prominence and importance of Sangiovese in Italian winemaking practices and traditions.

Italy produced about 20% of the global wine production in 2020.

The statistic that Italy produced about 20% of the global wine production in 2020 indicates that Italy was a significant player in the global wine industry during that year. This statistic suggests that one-fifth of all wine produced worldwide in 2020 came from Italy, highlighting the country’s prominence as a major wine producer. Italy’s large share of global wine production underscores its reputation for producing high-quality wines and its importance in the global wine market. This statistic serves as a testament to Italy’s long-standing tradition and expertise in winemaking, solidifying its position as one of the leading wine-producing nations in the world.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.italianwinechronicle.com

2. – https://www.www.thedrinksbusiness.com

3. – https://www.italianwinecentral.com

4. – https://www.www.albatruffles.com

5. – https://www.italianwine.blog

6. – https://www.www.italianwinegeek.com

7. – https://www.ec.europa.eu

8. – https://www.www.worldstopexports.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!