The president of UIV (Unione Italiana Vini) presented an extremely positive analysis of 2016. In particular, the year that just passed has been characterized by a growth of exports of Italian wine (3.3% in value and 1.4% in volume). Sparkling wines, in particular Prosecco, are the drivers of this growth.

More than 158 million bottles of Italian sparkling wines have been uncorked worldwide during Christmas holidays. This is an increase of 20% compared to 2015. The export of sparkling wines is driven by the D.O.P. (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) category, which shows an increase of 23% in volume and 29% in value. In particular, as stated above the star for this Christmas has been Prosecco (+28% in volume and +38% in value).

Since statistics for bottled still wines show a fall in 2016 Italian export (4.6% volume and 1.3% value), the increase of more than 20% in both value and volume of sparkling wines, particularly during the Christmas season, is the main driver of export growth. Even though the US still remains the main importing country for bottled Italian wine, data show a fall of nearly 5% in the liters of still wine sold. However, the country reports an increase of more than 20% in the liters of sparkling wine sold.

Italian exports are going strong and cheers Prosecco! 

Read more (in Italian) Unione Italiana Vini 

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