Tenuta San Guido, the prestigious Italian winery renowned as the birthplace of Sassicaia, continues to lead in terms of profitability, boasting an impressive index of over 60%.
This achievement places Tenuta San Guido at the pinnacle of profitability among private wine companies in Italy, according to the latest authoritative ranking published by economic journalist Anna di Martino in "L'Economia" of the "Corriere della Sera."
The report highlights the financial performance of the 118 largest Italian wine companies in 2023, examining key metrics such as profitability, turnover, investment, and vineyard ownership.
Financial Performance Highlights
The comprehensive analysis reveals that Tenuta San Guido's profitability, measured by the ratio between the gross operating margin (EBITDA) and turnover, is unparalleled in the wine sector. Anna di Martino notes that this profitability index is a benchmark for the industry, driven by the global success of their flagship wine, Sassicaia.
In terms of turnover, the cooperative Cantine Riunite & Civ, which includes Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), dominates with a revenue of EUR 670.6 million. The first private company in terms of turnover is the Argea group, achieving EUR 449.5 million.
Investment and Vineyard Ownership
Marchesi Antinori leads the way in investments, dedicating EUR 26 million in 2023 to enhance its operations. The company also owns the largest vineyard area, with 3,350 hectares in production, including 230 hectares in the USA and 100 in Chile. This extensive vineyard ownership underscores Marchesi Antinori's commitment to maintaining its top position in the wine industry through significant investments in both land and technology.
Top Performers in Profitability
Following Tenuta San Guido, the top 10 most profitable private wine companies include:
- Jermann - Known for its signature whites, Jermann achieved a profitability index of 57.4%.
- Biserno - A Tuscan estate led by Niccolò Marzichi Lenzi, with a profitability index of 51.3%.
- Marchesi Antinori - Ranking fourth with a profitability index of 50.2%.
- Marchesi Frescobaldi - With a profitability index of nearly 39%.
- Santa Margherita Group - Achieved a profitability index of 33.2% with a turnover of EUR 255.1 million.
- Cusumano - Improved its profitability index to 30.8%.
- Pizzolato - A new entry with a profitability index of 29.3%, recognized for its organic Prosecco production.
- Casa Paladin - Another new entry, with a profitability index of 24.8%.
- Argiolas - A prominent name in Sardinia, closing the top 10 with a profitability index of 23.8%.
Export and Market Growth
Italian wine companies continue to thrive in export markets, with Cantine Sgarzi Luigi generating 99.9% of its business abroad. The Fantini Group follows closely with 95%, while other top exporters include Pizzolato (93.5%) and Ruffino (91%).
The analysis also highlights companies that have seen significant growth in both foreign and domestic markets. Mack & Schuhle Italia leads with a 51.5% increase in foreign turnover, while Cantine 4 Valli saw a 44.9% growth. In the domestic market, Mack & Schuhle Italia again topped the list with a 98.5% increase, followed by Cantine 4 Valli with 42.7%.
Conclusion
The detailed report by Anna di Martino paints a complex and dynamic portrait of the Italian wine industry. Despite facing a challenging market environment, many Italian wine companies continue to achieve significant growth and success. Tenuta San Guido's dominance in profitability, coupled with the substantial investments and extensive vineyard holdings of Marchesi Antinori, exemplifies the resilience and innovation driving the industry forward. As these companies continue to expand their global footprint and enhance their operations, the future of Italian wine looks promising.
Source: WineNews