Summary

The global vodka market, part of the broader spirits market, is experiencing significant growth and is projected to achieve a value of $56.4 billion by 2027, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.3%. The United States remains the dominant player, but China's market is expanding rapidly, expecting to grow at a 5.2% CAGR between 2020 and 2027. Despite a setback in exports due to the COVID-19 pandemic outcomes, the Italian vodka market has shown remarkable growth, particularly in 2019. Brands and e-commerce are emerging as key factors influencing consumer choices in the sector. The global spirits market, valued at USD 468 billion in 2021, is anticipated to reach $609 billion by 2025. Post-pandemic recovery is underway, with the industry overcoming challenges such as increased shipping and packaging costs. Vodka's global market size was estimated at $38.98 billion in 2020 and is forecasted to hit $47.88 billion by 2022, demonstrating a 22.8% increase. The market is further expected to reach $58.05 billion in 2025. European countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, are notable for high vodka consumption rates, with Belarus leading the consumption statistics in 2018. The Italian spirits market saw revenues of $2.97 billion in 2020, with the sold production value of vodka witnessing a remarkable 27% CAGR from 2016 to 2020. Despite this, the market value is decreasing overall. Italy exports notably more vodka than it imports, with a coverage rate of 133% in 2021. The impact of COVID-19 led to a 17% drop in vodka's sold production value in Italy in 2020, primarily due to the restrictions in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, but was partially offset by increased sales in supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. Online vodka searches surged by 277% in 2020. The Italian spirits market is primarily made up of limited liability companies and individual operations, reflecting the structure of the Italian business landscape..Title: Navigating the Dynamic Italian Vodka Market In recent years, the Italian vodka market has exhibited substantial growth, particularly evident through a dramatic increase in exports, culminating in a zenith of activity in 2019. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, brought about a discernible decline, a testament to the global market's vulnerability in the face of unprecedented health crises. Nevertheless, the Italian vodka landscape is anything but homogeneous, with major multinational entities and homegrown distilleries alike vying for market supremacy. Companies such as Pernod Ricard and Molinari, along with specialized producers like Russian Standard, populate this competitive space. One of the industry's defining trends is the influential role of branding in consumer purchasing decisions. In contrast to other alcoholic drinks where price often dictates choice, in the realm of vodka, a brand's prestige and reputation significantly shape consumer preferences. Moreover, the burgeoning e-commerce sector presents vast opportunities, despite traditional physical outlets maintaining their status as consumer favorites. The Italian spirits market, where vodka takes a notable portion, reached revenues between €2.5 and €3 billion in 2020, despite experiencing a -12% annual growth rate in the preceding four years. In the market segmentation, specialty spirits led the way, while vodka carved a 10% niche. Notably, online searches for vodka surged by 277% in 2020, a reflection of the pandemic's transformative impact on consumer behavior. Looking at vodka specifically in Italy, its international presence is formidable, with exports climbing at a striking 16.5% CAGR. The coverage rate for exports against imports stood at 133% in 2021, indicating how Italy exports more vodka than it imports. The UK, Germany, the USA, Spain, and China top the list of export destinations, underscoring the spirit's global appeal. In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Italian spirits sector — vodka included — took a hit due to restrictions on social gathering spots where such beverages are commonly enjoyed. Yet, there was a silver lining: retail sales in supermarkets and hypermarkets increased, and online sales rapidly accelerated, reflecting a shift in consumption habits. In terms of demand, figures indicate a tapering in vodka consumption over the past decade, coupled with a rise in selective drinking choices emphasizing product quality and brand distinction. Spirits, including vodka, are preferred in purely unblended states, a preference shared by nearly half of the Italian populace. Additionally, younger demographics are increasingly turning to online platforms for their.### Prominent Vodka Producers and Brands Shaping the Italian Market The Italian vodka market is graced with the presence of several notable brands and producers, each contributing to the dynamic landscape of vodka sales and production in the region. While turn over figures are not mentioned, the impact of these brands is evidenced by their vibrant offerings and recognition in the market. Here are some of the key players shaping Italy's vodka scene: - **Pernod Ricard (Absolut)**: A giant in the spirits industry, Pernod Ricard has secured a strong foothold in the Italian market with its iconic Absolut vodka brand. Known for its distinctive branding and high-quality spirit, Absolut maintains its status through constant innovation and marketing efforts that appeal to discerning consumers. - **Molinari**: Serving as a beacon of Italian craftsmanship, Molinari offers a portfolio that includes vodka alongside its internationally acclaimed Sambuca. With a focus on quality and tradition, Molinari's presence in the market signifies a blend of classic Italian heritage and contemporary spirit production techniques. - **Branca International**: Another testament to Italy's rich legacy in spirits, Branca International has a diverse selection of alcoholic beverages. Their portfolio might not be centered on vodka specifically, but their industry expertise allows them to navigate the market adeptly. - **Illva Saronno**: Renowned for their Amaretto, Illva Saronno's involvement in the vodka segment showcases their versatility and adaptability in meeting varied consumer tastes while upholding a reputation for quality. - **Russian Standard**: A brand that dedicates its expertise to the craft of vodka production, Russian Standard's presence brings an authoritative voice to the vodka category, upholding the traditional elements that make vodka a globally revered spirit. - **Campari (SKYY)**: Campari's acquisition of the SKYY brand has only bolstered their standing in the Italian market. SKYY vodka, with its distinct blue bottle, appeals to a modern audience looking for a sleek and refined drinking experience. - **Punzoné Organic Vodka**: As a smaller but increasingly influential brand, Punzoné prides itself on its commitment to organic production. Capitalizing on contemporary trends toward health-conscious consumption, Punzoné caters to a niche yet growing segment of the market that values organic certification and purity in their vodka. These players, with their diverse strategies and brand positions, exemplify the vibrancy and competitive nature of the Italian vodka market. Their varied approaches—from emphasizing legacy and quality to championing
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Vodka is a colorless alcoholic beverage traditionally produced from cereals (rye, wheat) and potatoes, although other agricultural products may be used, particularly beets and fruits. The vodka market is a sub-segment of the spirits market, i.e., beverages produced from distilled alcohol, consisting of the producers and distributors of the product.

The global vodka market is expected to reach a value of 56.4 billion by 2027 registering a CAGR of 3.3%. The U.S. holds the largest share within the global market, followed immediately by China, whose market is expected to grow at a rate of 5.2% between 2020 and 2027.

In terms of sales volumes, the Italian vodka market, after a period of stable growth, experienced a real explosion in 2019. In particular, this growth seems to be explained by an increasing number of vodka exports, which started to suffer a setback only from 2020, due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

On the Italian scene there are competitors operating generically in the spirits sector but also dedicated to the marketing of vodka, some of which are represented by large multinational groups such as Pernord Ricard, others by Italian groups such as Molinari, Branca Intarnational and Illva Saronno. There are also big operators focused on the commercialization of vodka only, such as Russian Stanadard as well as small specialized producers. 

A very important trend in the sector is the greater consideration by consumers of the brand in the process of product choice: unlike other alcoholic beverages where customers' choice is mainly driven by price, in the spirits market, and in particular in the vodka one, it is instead the brand producer of the beverage to play a fundamental role in the choice. Moreover, a great opportunity within this market is represented by the growth of e-commerce as a distribution channel, although physical stores continue to remain the preferred sales channel for consumers.

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Latest news

How India is becoming Pernod Ricard's whisky paradise - 22/01/2024
  • Pernod Ricard aims to accelerate its presence in India.
  • The French giant, which occupies a leading position in the sub-continent
  • Strong growth in the Indian whisky market.
  • In the entry-level whisky segment, the group owns Royal Stag and Imperial Blue - two brands produced in India that rank among the top 5 best-selling whiskies in the country. It also owns several high-end brands: Chiva's Regal, Ballantine's and Glenlivet - imported whiskies that carry a 150% surtax.
  • India accounts for 10% of the Group's total sales, or around 1.2 billion euros.
  • A major market for the Group behind the United States.
  • Consumption of imported whiskies and high-end Indian single malts is booming.
  • Scotch imports are set to double between 2020 and 2022,
  • India is the leading export market for Scottish brands.
  • Sales of Indian single malt rose by 144% between 2021 and 2022.
  • Local brands owned by the French giant account for 85% of sales by value. Imports of foreign brands account for the remaining 15%.
  • Pernod Ricard has 27 factories across the country.

The trials and tribulations of Pernod Ricard to create the first whisky "made in China" - 17/12/2023
  • Pernod Ricard inaugurates the country's first whisky distillery
  • Pernod Ricard plans to invest 150 million euros over ten years in this project.
  • Market launch of the first bottles of The Chuan, the first pure malt made in China.
  • Bottles are priced between 115 and 190 euros, depending on the degree of alcohol (40, 46 or 60 degrees) and the type of aging.
  • Pernod Ricard's Chinese subsidiary accounts for 10% of group sales
  • Pernod Ricard is the world's second-largest spirits company, and already owns some 50 whiskies (including Chivas, Ballantine's, The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Royal Salute, Jameson and Jefferson's),
  • The Chinese spirits market remains 97% dominated by Baijiu (sorghum-based alcohol).
  • Western spirits share the remaining 3%, starting with cognac (a market worth 3.2 billion euros, according to specialist consultancy IWSR) and whisky (1.2 billion euros).
  • The Emeishan distillery is located on the Mount Emei road, used by millions of Chinese tourists throughout the year. Pernod Ricard expects two million visitors within the next ten years.

Never full of acquisitions, Campari ready to revive Courvoisier cognac - 16/12/2023
  • campari, the group that owns the Grand Marnier liqueur and the Aperol aperitif, is negotiating with Japan's Beam Suntory to acquire 100% of its Courvoisier cognac for 1.1 billion euros, i.e. almost 5 times sales (230 million euros by 2022).
  • Beam Suntory's strategy is to refocus on its premium whiskies (American bourbons, Japanese whiskies, etc.).
  • Campari generates sales of 2.7 billion euros
  • Half of the growth in recent years has come from acquisitions: Grand Marnier (2016), Trois Rivières rums (2019), Lallier champagne (2020), Picon liqueur in 2022.
  • The Italian group has made seven acquisitions in six years in France
  • The United States, Campari's biggest market
  • To grow in China, where Campari is weak, you need a cognac
  • alongside Martell (Pernod-Ricard), Hennessy (LVMH) and Rémy Martin (Rémy Cointreau), Courvoisier is the fourth-largest player in this Charentais spirit, with a 5% global market share. 50% of its sales are made in China, where the local spirit, baijiu, remains ultra-dominant (97% of the local market by volume).
  • Imported cognacs and whiskies have been in vogue for the past decade. Pernod Ricard, Diageo and LVMH take the lion's share.
  • In the United States, Campari already generates nearly 30% of its business.
  • Aperol leads Campari's sales (25% of sales in the first nine months of 2023).
  • Sales of Wild Turkey bourbon, acquired from Pernod Ricard in 2009, have more than tripled.

Spirits: Bardinet equips itself with cutting-edge logistics for export expansion - 13/12/2023
  • Bardinet has been a subsidiary of La Martiniquaise since 1993.
  • La Martiniquaise acquired Marie Brizard in 2019.
  • Bardinet generates almost half of its sales of 240 million euros from exports.
  • La Martiniquaise has sales of 1.4 billion euros.
  • The group is number one in the French spirits market, and eighth worldwide.
The Chuan, Pernod Ricard's first Chinese whisky | Pernod Ricard and Chuan Whisky - 13/12/2023
  • The Pernod Ricard group has launched the first bottles of pure malt produced at The Chuan distillery in China.
  • The bottles are priced at 100 euros each.
  • Pernod Ricard has invested 150 million euros over ten years to finance China's first foreign whisky distillery.
  • The distillery has a capacity of 1 to 1.5 million pure spirits.
  • China remains a massive consumer of Baiju, the national spirit, with a share of foreign alcohol consumption of less than 2%.
  • Pernod Ricard holds leading positions in China for the two most widely consumed imported spirits, cognac with Martell and whisky with Chivas.
How Bacardi slips St. Germain into a spritz - 28/09/2023
  • St-Germain liqueur was acquired by Bacardi in 2013.
  • The brand was introduced by Bacardi in France and Italy between 10 and 15 years ago.
  • The St-Germain brand was created in 2007.
  • Bacardi recorded sales of $14 billion.
  • In France, supermarkets account for two-thirds of Bacardi's sales.
  • Direct sales by Bacardi's French subsidiary reached $680 million last year.
  • The company owns more than 200 brands and labels.
  • In the United States, mezcal and tequila are among the group's best-selling products.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Pernod Ricard Groupe
Bacardi
La Martiniquaise Bardinet
Campari
Punzoné
Branca International

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