Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI withstands the crisis with exports at 93% share

"In 2025, the production of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Igp fell slightly by 3% compared to the previous year in terms of quantity, mainly due to the increase in production costs. Despite the reduction in volumes, however, the turnover of companies in the sector grew supported by the increase in cysts and therefore product prices, confirming the economic solidity of the sector. In the first four months of 2026, a significant recovery has already been observed, with an increase in volumes of 10 per cent'. This is the snapshot of the state of health (good, considering the crisis) of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, taken by the President of the Consortium for the Protection of PGI, Cesare Mazzetti on the occasion of the annual assembly.

The numbers are therefore tight: 'Total annual production is between 93 and 95 million litres, the certified supply chain includes 59 vinegar producers, 165 producers of must and wine vinegar and 2,400 farms cultivating 14 thousand hectares of vineyards', with the Consortium 'representing 83% of the certified production', a note reiterates.

On the international front, more than 93% of production is destined for export and distributed in more than 130 countries. The value of exports to production exceeds 380 million euro, with an estimated consumer value of around one billion. "Compared to 2024, and despite the difficult economic phase, exports have increased by 2.6%. More than 50% of exports are non-European: the historically most important markets are the USA, Germany and France, with growth in Asia driven by South Korea and Japan in recent years'.

"Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI maintains the highest export share of all Italian products with Geographical Indication," Mazzetti continues, "with about 300 million bottles produced each year. The supply chain shows remarkable resilience in a complex international context, characterised by geopolitical tensions and transport instability. Critical issues in the Strait of Hormuz and pressures on energy and logistics costs have highlighted the importance of guarding trade routes and diversifying outlet markets, ensuring continuity in global distribution and economic stability for companies in the sector. In order to reduce market volatility and strengthen its international presence, the Consortium is evaluating the opening of new strategic marketplaces, with a particular focus on regions with high growth potential, such as North Korea".

Among the priorities that emerged from the assembly were actions to protect the Geographical Indication brand in a global context where estimates of losses due to Italian Sounding are 120 billion euro. "In 2025, thanks to the Consortium's online monitoring, out of 1,055 analysed links, 45% were corrected or removed, protecting the authentic brand internationally," Mazzetti emphasised. "Protecting our GIs does not only mean defending the history and quality of our products, but also guaranteeing concrete economic spin-offs for companies and territories. The Balsamic Vinegar supply chain shows how authenticity can be transformed into economic resilience, employment and international growth'.