The food and wine tourism market - Italy

Since 2020, the global food and wine tourism market has seen significant growth, reaching a value of $804.95 billion by 2022 and is expected to surge to $3.2 trillion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.90%. This growth rate eclipses the 5.4% projected for the broader tourism sector. Specifically within this market, wine tourism displayed robust performance with a projected $85.15 billion valuation in 2023, and an anticipated CAGR of 13.1% from 2023 to 2033, potentially achieving a market value of $291.62 billion. In Italy, the food and wine tourism segment rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with a notable contribution of more than 5 billion euros, half of which is attributed to the wine sector and its associated activities like winery visits. Despite the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict which led to increases in consumer prices for accommodation and food services by 35.9% and 21% respectively between January 2022 and September 2023, the Italian food and wine tourism continues to thrive, supported by a growing interest from different age demographics and regions, as well as from international tourists, particularly from European countries like Spain and Germany.

Robust Growth in Italy’s Food and Wine Tourism: A Market Analysis

The market for food and wine tourism in Italy has shown remarkable resilience and growth, appealing to a diverse range of travelers with a penchant for authentic flavors and traditional culinary experiences. Reflecting on the recent trends, it is evident that the Italian food and wine tourism market is on an upward trajectory, with a significant increase in interest from both domestic and international tourists. Notably, Italian citizens have displayed a growing inclination towards exploring the food and wine offerings of their country, with nearly between 55 and 65 percent embarking on trips driven by gastronomic motivations in recent years. Wine tourism, constituting a substantial fraction of this market, has continued to thrive, with powerhouses such as wineries emerging as favorite destinations. These establishments have seen an influx of tourists keen on participating in wine tastings and exploring vineyards. Alongside, events such as wine festivals and markets are attracting considerable attention, drawing crowds immersed in the celebration of revered local productions. Furthermore, the Italian landscape luxuriates in gastronomic excellence, with between 820 and 830 products boasting Geographical Indications (GI) status. These certified products play a pivotal role in enriching the tourism experience, having seen a steady increase over the years. The flourishing sector is supported by both a growing number of protected consortia and a diverse spread of GI products across various Italian regions.

The North, particularly the Northeastern part, has become a hub with the highest number of arrivals in accommodation establishments, reaching almost between 40 and 45 million, underscoring the region’s allure amongst food and wine enthusiasts. An interesting facet of the tourism market in Italy is the structure of the demand demography. The predominant age group showing keen interest in food and wine experiences is between 35 and 54 years old, representing more than half of the demand. Geographically, the demand is similarly distributed with the Northern and Southern parts of the country harboring the majority of food and wine tourists. On an international scale, European citizens, particularly from Spain, Norway, Germany, Austria, and the United Kingdom, show a high interest in Italian food and wine experiences. The economic impact is substantial, with average daily expenditures by food and wine tourists reaching between 80 and 90 euros for related services, depicting a clear trend of visitors willing to spend more on immersing themselves in the gastronomic culture. Prices for typical food and wine tourism activities such as guided walking tours and winery visits vary, with.### Iconic Ambassadors of Italy's Food and Wine Excellence Italy's rich culinary and wine heritage is brought to the forefront by several prominent players in the food and wine tourism market. These entities not only exemplify the finest traditions of Italian gastronomy and viticulture but also invite tourists from all over the globe to experience the authenticity and distinct flavors that Italy has to offer. Below are some of the primary companies that serve as the bedrock of Italy's stellar reputation in food and wine tourism:

Wineries That Define Italian Wine Tourism

• Cantina Tramin Soc.Agr.Coop: Nestled in the picturesque region of Tramin, Cantina Tramin is a cooperative with origins stretching back to 1898. It has gained renown not only for its superb wines but also for the incredible experiences it provides to its visitors. Boasting a production of 1.9 million bottles annually, with a focus on both domestic and international markets, Cantina Tramin stands as a testament to collaborative success in wine production.
• Ceretto Aziende Vitivinicole s.r.l: The story of Ceretto began in the 1930s and has evolved from vinifying purchased grapes to producing some of the most recognized wines in Italy. The entry of the younger generation brought a fresh perspective to the importance of terroir, ushering in a new era for Ceretto and allowing them to offer a rich variety of wines, including acclaimed DOCG and DOC.
• Cusumano s.r.l: A relatively new venture established in 2001, Cusumano quickly positioned itself as a symbol of Sicilian wine entrepreneurship. The dynamic winery prides itself on producing 2.5 million bottles each year, showcasing both indigenous Sicilian grapes and popular international varieties.
• Petra Azienda Agricola: Founded in 1997, Petra is recognized for integrating modern architecture with viticulture. Situated in the Tuscan Maremma, the winery creates exquisite wines that reflect the land's unique terroir, making it a fascinating destination for enophiles seeking both beauty and taste.
• Tenute Lunelli: The Lunelli Group has expanded its reach with estates across Trentino, Tuscany, and Umbria. Offering a range of DOC and IGT wines, Tenute Lunelli is dedicated to maintaining quality in their diverse selection embodying the excellence associated with their respective regions. 
• Vinegar Producers with a Stamp of Tradition
• Agricola Due Vittorie s.r.l

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 23/11/2023

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