Italian wine sales in the large-scale distribution channels in its top three markets in the world have seen a weak recovery in the first half of 2023, according to the Uiv-Vinitaly Observatory.
Sales in the USA, Germany, and the UK were flat in terms of volume (-0.2%) but increased slightly in value (+1.3%, to €2.2 billion), the observatory noted, citing data from NielsenIQ.
This performance is better than the first quarter (-4% volume and -1% value) but insufficient for the Italian wine sector, which is still heavily penalised by a cost surplus that affects around 10% of the average price.
The total marketed volumes of still and sparkling wines grew 0.7%, boosted by increases in the UK (+3.2%) and Germany (+4.2%). Sales in the USA dropped 7.4%, data showed.
Sparkling wine sales fell 2.8%, with positive performance in the USA (+2%) offset by declines in the UK (-6%) and Germany (-3.8%).
Other Highlights
Total sales in the first half amounted to €2.2 billion, out of which the US large-scale distribution market accounted for €960 million (-0.3% trend, -4.4% volumes).
Demand in the UK generated over €840 million (+2.4%, with volumes -0.5%), while Germany contributed €400 million (+2.9%, +3.7% volumes).
The Germans consumed the highest volume of Italian wine (84 million litres out of a total of 231 million litres in the three countries), but the average shelf price of €4.70/litre was three times lower than that of the US (€14.30) and less than half compared to the UK figure (€10.50).
Price hikes for still/sparkling wines remained flat (+0.3%), while sparkling wines saw an increase of 4.9%.
Prosecco, the main Italian denomination marketed in the world, fell 2% in volume but increased 3.2% in value, with sales reaching €675 million.
