Here is the strategic update for November 14, 2025, on the wine sector (Italy & globally), designed for acquisition, sale, and positioning operations.
Key points
- The Organisation internationale de la vigne et du vin (OIV) estimates world production in 2025 at around 232 million hl , 3% compared to 2024 but still around ‑7% compared to the five-year average.
- In Italy, the 2025 harvest is estimated at around ~47.3 million hl , 8% compared to 2024 and once again at the top of the world, ahead of France (~35.9 Mhl) and Spain (~29.4 Mhl).
- The fine wine market is showing signs of strength: in October 2025, Italian labels represented 19.4% of the trading volume on the Liv-Ex platform, with the Italy 100 index growing by 1.3%.
- Italy’s export market in the first months of 2025 shows a modest improvement: 1.5% in value in the first six months compared to 2024 for the 12 key markets, and 2.1% in volume (703.5 million litres) — but with strong geographical differences (USA, UK, China in decline).
- Bulk wine prices in Italy: average bulk market price ~€0.78/litre (2.1% compared to the previous period) but with weak demand and high inventories (approximately 36 Mhl of stock as of 30 September).
- Innovation: The growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing in viticulture and business management is an indicator of industrial evolution and a key factor in operations.
- The M&A factor remains active but requires vision: in Italy, pressure on costs, international consumption, and limited growth make wine assets selective for strategic transactions, not for pure volume acquisition.
M&A Radar
| Deal / Rumor | Parties involved | Size | Geography | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castel Frères acquires Tannico (Italian wine e-commerce platform) | Castel Frères ← Campari & Moët Hennessy | undisclosed (≈ €60 million additional turnover) | Italy → Europe | 10/15/2025 |
| Caffo 1915 Group acquires Valle Talloria production site from Italian Wine Brands (Cinzano brand) | Caffo ← IWB Italia/Giordano Vini | not disclosed | Piedmont, Italy | 21/10/2025 |
| Campari Group sells Cinzano & Frattina brands to Caffo Group for ~€100 million |
Prices & Harvest
- Umbria Grapes (October 2025): Sangiovese ~€26-30/100kg; Merlot/Cabernet ~€28-30/100kg; Sagrantino DOCG ~€100-140/100kg. Trend: -30% year-on-year to -50% vs. 2023.
- Bulk wine Italy H1-2025: average price ~€0.78/litre (2.1% vs previous period), but demand under pressure and high stocks (~36 Mhl in stock as of 30/9).
- The quality of the 2025 harvest in Italy is estimated to be good-excellent, but beware of high yields in some areas that may require positioning and differentiation interventions.