T. Ozbun
Research expert covering food retail and all food topics for Italy and Brazil
Alcohol market in Italy - Statistics and Facts
Italians tend to be social drinkers, enjoying their alcohol in good company as an aperitivo or during a meal with friends and family. This was shown by the alcoholic drinks market revenue in the country which has grown steadily in recent years with a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the social restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Italy’s alcoholic beverage market is characterized by wine, beer, and spirits, with wine undoubtedly being the leader of the three due to its stance as a staple commodity in Italy and Italian culture
In regards to value, the production of wine amounted to more than 13 million euros, being five time more than the value of beer, and 11 times more than the value of spirits and liquors.
In terms of value, wine exported from Italy was worth close to eight billion euros whereas the export value of beer amounted to 302 million dollars. For spirits and liquors, Italy exported 1.8 billion dollars in the same period.
On the other hand, when it comes to wine, the favorite alcoholic beverage of Italians, around 40 liters per capita were consumed in 2023, making Italy among the leading countries in wine per capita consumption. Among those who consume alcohol, a large percentage of both male and female individuals preferred wine over other types of alcohol.
Alcohol production
Wine is the leading alcoholic beverage in Italy, with a production volume reaching more than 38 million hectoliters as of the most recent period and far exceeding that of beer and spirits. In fact, beer production was about two times lower while the production volume of spirits was 36 times lower.In regards to value, the production of wine amounted to more than 13 million euros, being five time more than the value of beer, and 11 times more than the value of spirits and liquors.
Alcohol trade
With Italy being the largest exporter of wine worldwide, much of it is destined for other markets. In 2023, 21.5 million hectoliters of wine were exported from Italy. For beer, the volume exported was close to 3.5 million hectoliters, while for spirits the volume exported amounted to 1.1 million hectoliters.In terms of value, wine exported from Italy was worth close to eight billion euros whereas the export value of beer amounted to 302 million dollars. For spirits and liquors, Italy exported 1.8 billion dollars in the same period.
Alcohol consumption
Italy is not among the countries with the highest overall alcohol consumption per capita. In fact, Italians consumed an average of 36 liters of beer per person and only one liter of spirits per capita in 2023.On the other hand, when it comes to wine, the favorite alcoholic beverage of Italians, around 40 liters per capita were consumed in 2023, making Italy among the leading countries in wine per capita consumption. Among those who consume alcohol, a large percentage of both male and female individuals preferred wine over other types of alcohol.
