In 2024, Italy’s wine industry continues to showcase its economic strength, with the country’s top 27 wineries alone generating over EUR 6 billion in turnover—41% of the national wine industry's total revenue (estimated at EUR 14.5 billion).
This elite club, meticulously ranked by journalist Anna Di Martino and previewed by Corriere della Sera, highlights the central role of cooperatives and the continued global appeal of iconic private producers.
The Top Five: Industry Leaders by Revenue
Cantine Riunite & Civ once again claims the crown as Italy’s largest wine business, with a total turnover of EUR 676.6 million, largely driven by its subsidiary Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), which accounts for EUR 428 million. This cooperative-based powerhouse maintains a stronghold in both domestic and international markets.
Argea, a privately held yet equally commanding player, ranks second with EUR 464.2 million, followed by Italian Wine Brands, the highest-ranking publicly traded company, with EUR 401.9 million.
Coming in fourth is Caviro, another cooperative giant with EUR 385.2 million, while Marchesi Antinori stands as the top private family-owned estate, recording EUR 262.5 million exclusively from its wine operations. With 3,350 hectares of vineyards, Antinori remains a symbol of heritage, prestige, and enduring market power.
Cooperatives Expand Their Reach
The 2024 edition of the turnover rankings underscores a growing trend: the expanding dominance of cooperatives. Of the 27 listed companies, 12 are cooperatives, collectively accounting for EUR 2.9 billion in turnover and EUR 1.5 billion in exports. That marks an increase of one cooperative from last year’s rankings, demonstrating a shift in scale and efficiency within the cooperative model.
Key Players in the Second Tier
Positions 6 to 15 reflect a competitive and diverse landscape:
- Cavit (Trentino): EUR 253.3 million
- La Marca: EUR 251 million
- Herita Marzotto Wine Estates (formerly Santa Margherita): EUR 248.2 million
- Fratelli Martini: EUR 233 million
- Collis Veneto Wine Group: EUR 219.3 million
- Gruppo Mezzacorona: EUR 212.4 million
- Zonin 1821: EUR 209.3 million
- Terre Cevico: EUR 206.2 million
- Mack & Schühle Italia: EUR 205.6 million
Each of these companies reflects a strategic blend of export-driven growth, brand consolidation, and diversified vineyard holdings.
Strong Performers Below EUR 200 Million
While the top-tier dominates, several well-known brands continue to post robust figures below the EUR 200 million threshold:
- Mionetto: EUR 180.9 million
- Piccini: EUR 179 million
- ViVo Cantine: EUR 178.2 million
- Marchesi Frescobaldi: EUR 165 million
- Cantina di Conegliano: EUR 149.8 million
- Cantine Ermes: EUR 142.7 million
- Gruppo Lunelli: EUR 138.5 million
- Schenk Italian Wineries: EUR 134.3 million
- Villa Sandi: EUR 132 million
- Cadis 1898: EUR 129.1 million
- Vignaioli Veneto Friulani: EUR 109.5 million
- Serena Wines: EUR 106.3 million
- Ruffino Group: EUR 105 million
These wineries contribute significantly to Italy’s global wine presence and often serve as key ambassadors for specific DOC/DOCG territories.
Exports Drive Growth and Resilience
The export figures are equally telling: the 27 companies together account for EUR 3.8 billion in exports—47.5% of Italy’s total wine exports in 2024. The balance of heritage-driven prestige brands and agile, volume-focused cooperatives allows Italy to retain its spot among the world’s most dynamic wine-exporting nations.
Source: WineNews