This positive trend, further supported by a 12.7 percent increase in cross-border sales in the first seven months of this year (reaching nearly €1.6 billion), is expected to push the net exports balance at the end of 2024 up to at least €2.2 billion, barring unforeseen events. "It is one of the sectors with the highest propensity for exports," explained Paolo Castelletti, General Secretary of Unione Italiana Vini. "Another record for the Made in Italy brand and an asset for the entire wine and drinks sector, with its strength lying in technology and innovation."
The Observatory's analysis shows that the sector's recovery over the past five years has been particularly driven by non-EU markets, which last year accounted for nearly two-thirds of international sales of machinery for beverages, oenology, and bottling, up 15 percent from 2019 figures. This growth has been led by exports to the USA, Italy’s top market for wine, which expanded its market share from 10.5 percent to 15.5 percent over five years, thanks to a 67.5 percent increase in sales. Sales within EU markets also grew in double digits but below average (+9.9 percent over 2019), with Germany and France performing particularly well (+16.8 percent and +14.7 percent, respectively), though both slowed between January and July this year. While EU markets saw modest growth (+2.4 percent overall in the seven months), exports to France declined by 16.2 percent, and those to Germany remained stable; Germany has now been overtaken by Spain (+11.5 percent) in sales value. Meanwhile, sales to extra-European markets continue to surge, achieving +18.4 percent, with Asia at +31.6 percent, North America at +11 percent (the US at +9.9 percent), and South-Central America at +9.8 percent.
From 12–15 November, the Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) will host the trade fair SIMEI at Fiera Milano Rho. SIMEI stands as the leading international event for oenology and bottling machinery, bringing together over 575 companies and brands across more than 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, with foreign delegations from 32 countries. Now in its 30th edition, the event offers a comprehensive view of new products and technological innovations for the wine supply chain and beverage industry at all stages, with a focus on wine, liquid food, oil, beer, and spirits.
