Here’s the updated daily briefing on the wine/winery sector, with recent data and strategic insights.
Recent Trends (5-7 points)
- In the first half of 2025, Italian wine exports showed stability: 1.5% in value (€2.8 billion) and 2.1% in volume (703.5 million litres), exceeding the global average (1.4% in value).
- However, the United States, a key market, is recording a decline: in the period January-July 2025, Italian exports to the US market fell by -1.1% in value, with a compression of the average price per litre of -6.8%.
- The 15% US customs tariffs (effective from August 2025) particularly affect “mainstream” wines imported from the EU, pushing consortia (e.g. Chianti) to explore alternative markets such as China, Brazil, Southeast Asia.
- The 2025 harvest in Italy is estimated at 47.4 million hectoliters, an 8% increase compared to 2024, allowing Italy to return to the top of world production.
- Some areas choose quantitative moderation: in Tuscany 2.4 Mhl is expected in 2025 (from 2.7 Mhl in 2024) to preserve quality and reputation.
- The bulk wine market appears to be struggling: brokers report slow demand, high supplies, and price pressure.
- Digital innovation and artificial intelligence are gaining increasing attention: a recent study highlights AI applications for viticulture, production, and wine tourism as levers of sustainability and efficiency.
M&A Radar
| Operation / Rumor | Parties involved | Value / notes (if known) | Geography / focus | Source / date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wine Group → acquisition of brands / facilities from Constellation Brands | The Wine Group | ~ USD 900 million (including brands, facilities, inventory) | USA / California & USA plants | |
| Metis (advisory) US expansion | Metis Advisory firm | not applicable (operational expansion) | USA / California |
Insight analysis notes: The wine M&A market in 2025 appears to be characterized by a generalized “pause” in large deals, with transaction volumes at historically low levels. The most significant transactions tend to be strategic acquisitions of brands or plants by large, established groups.
Prices & Harvest (mini box)
Grape prices / territorial references
- In Pavia, in the Condifesa Pavia 2025 document: Barbera DOP quoted on average at €48/q.le, minimum €40, maximum €55.
- In Veneto / Vicenza: provisional prices for DOC grapes for various varieties range from ~40 to ~60 €/q.le, with BIO more premium.
- General trend: the Chambers of Commerce report that, compared to 2023-2024, the prices of DOC and DOCG grapes are decreasing in many areas.
- Current bulk wine / wine “suitable for serving” (year 2025) offers on platforms: e.g. Bolgheri Vermentino €320/hl, Tuscany red wine €200/hl, Maremma Toscana organic red wine €155/hl.
Harvest / yields / climate notes
- The 2025 harvest in Italy is estimated at 47.4 Mhl, up from 2024, and projected to surpass France and Spain in global production.
- In Alto Adige and the areas adjacent to the Adige Valley, an early harvest is expected (late August/early September), with good vegetative balance, sparse bunches (less compaction) and excellent health.
- In Veneto, however, a quantitative increase is expected: “100,000 more tons of grapes” reported for the 2025 harvest.
- In Tuscany, some consortia have chosen to voluntarily reduce production for quality reasons, rather than aiming to maximize volumes.