on the main news in the world of wine and wineries, with a strategic eye for those working in the sector.
Major updates
- Italian wine exports in the first seven months of 2025 recorded a value of approximately €4.63 billion (-0.9% vs. the same period in 2024) and a volume equal to 1.23 billion litres (-3.4%).
- Italian exports to the United States, in the period July-August 2025, show a decrease of -28% in value , despite an average reduction in prices of -17%.
- The EU-Mercosur Agreement receives the green light from the European Commission: it represents a potential strategic diversification of the markets for Italian wine towards South America.
- The M&A market in the wine and spirits segment in Europe is at a 27-year low, with only around 38 deals recorded in the sector.
- As for the 2025 harvest in Italy: very positive signs from many areas—high grape quality, yields to be monitored in some areas where drought continues to be a concern.
- In the fine-wines/international auctions segment, France sees an estimated 2025 production decline to 36 million hl (-1% year-on-year, -16% vs. five-year average) due to heat waves and drought.
- Innovative trends: The adoption of AI in the wine sector—viticulture, wine tourism, and production—is highlighted as a strategic lever for sustainability, efficiency, and competitive differentiation.
M&A Radar
Transaction/rumor: No major Italian names have recently been disclosed with monetary details; however, the segment is experiencing a sharp contraction in deals. Parties involved: Generic – European wine producers/brands and spirits groups . Size/value: Undisclosed (trend toward small targets). Geography: Europe (Italy indirectly involved). Comments: M&A activity is focused on premium or niche brands (organic, luxury, sparkling wines) in an evolving oligopolistic context.
Prices & Harvest
- Fresh grape prices (2025 campaign – Italy): indicative range for generic grapes between ~US$ 3.68 and 5.52/kg (≈ €3.40-5.10), increases compared to the two previous years.
- Bulk wine prices in Italy: recent examples – Bolgheri Vermentino ~€320/hl; Toscana red ~€200/hl; Maremma Toscana organic red ~€155/hl.
- Yields and quality of the 2025 harvest: Many areas report healthy grapes, good concentration, and ripeness (e.g., Puglia 40% vs. 2024); however, risks related to heat and drought persist in Puglia and Sicily.
- Export price trend for bottles in Italy: average export of bottles was ~€4.43/l in a recent period in Italy.