However, this figure remains 13% lower than the 2019-2023 five-year average of 46.96 million hectolitres.
Prices fall despite production increase
The increase in production has not stemmed the collapse in prices. Data from the Commodity Exchange of the province of Perugia, one of the few entities that records the actual price paid to producers, indicate an average contraction in the prices of grapes for DOC and DOCG wines of 26.4%, with peaks of over -30%.
Among the main causes is the constant decline in wine consumption: from 2010 to 2024, per capita consumption dropped dramatically, from 21.76 litres to 10.3 litres.
Production region by region
The distribution of the increase in production varies significantly along the peninsula:
- Northern Italy: marginal increase (0.6%) compared to 2023, with a decrease of 5.3% compared to the five-year average.
- Central Italy: strong growth, with significant regional increases.
- Southern Italy: significant increase compared to 2023 (15.5%), but with a decrease of 25.7% compared to the 2019-2023 average.
Regional performances show extraordinary peaks in Molise (100%) and Abruzzo (85%), followed by Lazio, Campania and Basilicata (30%), Marche (25%), Puglia (18%), Calabria and Piedmont (10%), and Emilia-Romagna (7%). Stable Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
Liguria (-3%), Trentino-Alto Adige (-12.4%), Sicily (-16%), Valle d'Aosta and Sardinia (-20%) are decreasing. Lombardy closes with the worst data, marking a -30%.
Grape prices: sharp drops for all varieties
The price list of the Umbria Commodity Exchange of November 5 shows average prices in sharp decline for the most common grapes:
- Doc/Docg red wines:
- Sangiovese: €36-45/q (average €40.5, -31.4% compared to 2023).
- Merlot: €40-55/q (average €42.5, -34.6%).
- Sagrantino Docg: 120-160 €/q (average 140 €).
- White DOC wines:
- Trebbiano: €28-35/q (average €31.5, -30%).
- Grechetto: €40-45/q (average €42.5, -26%).
Other varieties show similar trends:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Vermentino: €40-45/q (average €42.5).
- Trebbiano Spoletino: €43-48/q (average €45.5, -21.6%).
The most significant changes compared to 2023 include Gamay (-28%), Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay (-26.7%), Vermentino (-22.7%) and Trebbiano Spoletino (-21.6%).
Conclusion
2024 marks a partial recovery of Italian wine production, but the drop in consumption and the fall in prices represent an alarm for the entire sector. While on the one hand some regions have shown significant production increases, on the other hand market dynamics indicate growing pressure for producers.
