UIV: warning signs continue in the first quarter for Italian wine
In the world's top three markets, consumption declined by 8% in volume and 5.5% in value (US -5.4%, Germany -11.8% and UK -6.4%).
2' min read
2' min read
Data on wine shipments in the first months of 2025 are 'doped' by the rush to stockpile before the advent of duties. The reality of real consumption is very different. We need to look at actual sales and not just customs data. This is the alarm launched today by the Italian Wine Union according to which the foreign market for Made in Italy wine is in difficulty.
According to calculations of the UIV Observatory on the basis of Nielsen at large-scale distribution and retail in the top three markets in the world (USA, Germany and UK) in the first quarter volume trend declines of 8% (-5.5% in value) occurred, with the USA at -5.4%, Germany at -11.8% and the UK at -6.4%.
"Except for Prosecco," explain the UIV, "almost all the main denominations are in difficulty: from Pinot Grigio delle Venezie to Chianti, from Lambrusco to Piedmontese reds to Sicilian whites. This is also a difficult phase in Italy: in large-scale distribution in the quarter, volumes fell by about 4%, but even greater decreases are expected in the catering sector".
Again according to the Osservatorio UIV, exports to non-EU countries closed the first quarter with volumes down by almost 9% (-0.1% in value)despite the +4% in the USA (with a further alarm bell of a slowdown in March). In fact, without the positive US performance, the decline at the markets that - according to some - should counterbalance the US market burdened by duties, would be close to -17%".
In the last six months we have witnessed a paradox," commented the President of the UIV, Lamberto Frescobaldi. "Italian shipments to the United States seemed to be holding up or even growing in some sectors, but the real data on consumption tell a different story, much more worrying. The pre-Thanksgiving rush has deluded the markets but the situation is different: final consumption is declining or at best stagnant. It is therefore fundamental,' added Frescobaldi, 'not to confuse outgoings (exports) with real consumption, because the real analysis must focus on end-consumer behaviour, not just customs data. The risk is that of a false perception of market solidity that can lead to wrong decisions along the entire supply chain'.
