Here’s an operational update on the wine sector (Italy & globally) updated as of November 20, 2025, designed to support acquisition, divestment, and industrial positioning decisions.
Key points
- The OIV reports that world production in 2025 is estimated at around 232 Mhl, -7% compared to the five-year average , despite a slight recovery compared to the 2024 minimum.
- In this context, Italy stands out: production forecast for 2025 is approximately 47.4 Mhl , or 8% vs 2024, and approximately 2% compared to the five-year average.
- Italian exports in the first six months of 2025 recorded a 2.1% increase in volume and 1.5% in value (approximately 703.5 million liters / €2.8 billion) according to data updated to November 16.
- The bulk wine market confirms a decreasing volume (~‑2.3% in 1H 2025 vs 1H 2024) but a stable/slightly increasing average price (2.1% up to ~€0.78/litre) thanks to quality and supply-demand balance.
- Italian stocks remain a risk factor: increasing production, previous stocks, stagnant consumption in mature markets → potential pressure on margins of generic wines.
- M&A activity in the wine sector is still low: there is a shortage of buyers, a surplus of sellers, and a focus on strategic deals rather than pure size.
- Ranking and awards: In The World’s Best Vineyards 2025 ranking, Italy already has six companies between positions 51 and 100, confirming the centrality of “territory experience” as a premium lever.
M&A Radar
| Deal / Rumor | Parties involved | Size / Notes | Geography | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of the Tannico online platform by CASTEL-Vins (formerly Campari Group & Moët Hennessy) | CASTEL‑Vins ↔ Tannic | Not communicated | Italy | |
| This acquisition strengthens the digital channel for Italian wine, signaling how the “e-commerce/tech distribution” asset has become a strategic driver. |
Prices & Harvest
- Italian production in 2025 estimated at ~47.4 Mhl (8% vs 2024), with possible revisions towards ~44 Mhl. Quality reported as “good-excellent”.
- Grape/bulk wine prices in Italy: for example in Umbria: Sangiovese ~€26-30/100 kg; Merlot/Cabernet ~€28-30/100 kg; Sagrantino DOCG ~€100-140/100 kg.
- Average price of bulk wine at national level: ~€0.78/litre (bulk), 2.1% vs. previous period, but volumes are decreasing.
- Agronomic notes: early harvest in many areas (due to heat/early ripening), very healthy bunches in most Italian regions.