In 2022, the European Union's wine sector contributed a significant 130 billion euros to the GDP, providing nearly 3 million jobs, which is 1.4% of the Union's total employment. The global wine industry covers 7.2 million hectares of vineyards, with an export value of 36 billion euros.
Additionally, the spirits industry in the top 20 global economies generated an added value of 110 billion USD, with farmers benefiting from half of this amount, and 33 billion USD in tax revenue. These figures were presented by Federvini during the international conference "The Wine & Spirits Sector: Creating Value in a Spirit of Moderation," held in conjunction with the G7 Agriculture event in Syracuse.
The conference emphasized the pivotal role the wine and spirits sectors play for agricultural communities, consumers, and businesses, and sought to outline a globally shared path toward sustainable development. For the first time, major organizations representing wine, spirits, and liqueur producers were present at an international event of this magnitude, underscoring the significance of these industries at the global level.
The Double Value of the Wine and Spirits Sector
Federvini President Micaela Pallini highlighted two core values of the wine and spirits industry. The first is the deep connection with local agricultural communities, many of which have a historical legacy spanning thousands of years. The second is the initiation of a global conversation about the sector’s future at a time when both European and international entities are facing challenges, including attempts to demonize the products of the sector. This trend, according to Pallini, ignores the social, cultural, and economic values inherent to wine and spirits production.
The conference initiated critical discussions on the priorities of these sectors, emphasizing their socio-economic relevance. Participants engaged in dialogue with leaders and organizations from the G7, focusing on sustainable growth strategies that reflect the cultural and gastronomic heritage the wine and spirits industries provide, especially in the rural areas of the European Union.
Priorities for Sustainable Growth
One of the key points discussed at the event was the need to protect the competitiveness of these sectors. Harmonizing regulatory standards, improving legal protections, and promoting high-quality products were seen as essential steps. Since both industries heavily depend on exports, the elimination of barriers to market access remains critical. Federvini and other organizations stressed the importance of establishing international trade rules that support this growth.
Furthermore, discussions touched on the need to address prohibitionist trends by creating policies that differentiate between moderate alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse. By fostering constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices, the sector aims to maintain a balanced approach to public health without undermining the cultural importance of moderate wine and spirits consumption.
A Focus on Responsible Consumption
Responsible consumption was a central theme, with associations from the wine and spirits sector calling for joint efforts to promote awareness of balanced drinking habits. Italy’s “best in class” model of moderate consumption, a key aspect of its Mediterranean lifestyle, was highlighted as an example for others to follow. Federvini’s video, “A Sip of Italy,” showcased the Italian approach, which blends conviviality with responsible drinking.
Global Collaboration and Challenges Ahead
The G7 Agriculture event in Syracuse provided a unique platform for coordinating efforts between wine and spirits producers globally, marking a crucial first step toward collaboration across borders. As Micaela Pallini concluded, "We must not stop in facing the great challenge of protecting social, cultural, environmental, and industrial values." The conference was a call for continued efforts to defend the diversity and identities of wine and spirits producers worldwide, while pursuing shared goals of sustainability and economic resilience.
The event attracted leading European and international organizations, including Ceev (Comité Européen des Entreprises des Vins), Discus (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States), Fivs (Fédération Internationale des Vins et Spiritueux), Iard (International Alliance for Responsible Drinking), Wsa (World Spirits Alliance), and spiritsEurope. This collective presence underscored the global importance of the wine and spirits industries, not only for their economic contributions but also for their cultural, environmental, and societal roles.
Looking Forward
As the wine and spirits sectors continue to adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting consumer preferences, the need for sustainable growth, responsible consumption, and international cooperation will only intensify. The discussions initiated at this event signal a promising start to what will likely be an ongoing global dialogue, ensuring that these industries can thrive while maintaining their deep ties to tradition, community, and cultural heritage.
Source: WineNews