In 2025, Italian sparkling wines return above a symbolic and important threshold: more than 1.03 billion bottles produced and sold. The figure matters not only for the commercial scale achieved, but also because it captures a segment that, even in a year described as "complex", remains stable in export markets and continues to strengthen its place in consumption habits worldwide.

Interest in the global market

When we talk about Italian sparkling wines, the international dimension is crucial: around 7 bottles out of 10 are destined for markets outside Italy. In other words, the sector's path is structurally tied to its ability to capture international consumption occasions (from everyday social moments to celebrations), adapting positioning, distribution channels and product portfolios to the preferences of different markets.

Against this backdrop, 2025 closes with a clear message: export-market performance is essentially flat versus the previous year. In a more uncertain global environment - especially in the second half of the year - that translates into genuine resilience in worldwide demand for the category.

Long-term growth

Export stability builds on a longer-term evolution that has changed the scale of the category: Italian sparkling wine volumes have almost tripled over the past 15 years. This points to a gradual consolidation of international consumption. It is no longer a seasonal product tied to isolated peaks, but a category that has earned space and recognition in multiple markets, with clear effects on both volume and relevance.

One of the clearest indicators of where global consumption is heading is the role of the United States, described as the world's leading market for wine demand. Here, sparkling wine has reached an important turning point: it has overtaken white wine and is now the most consumed Italian wine type among Americans, with a 37% share, ahead of whites (36%) and reds (17%).

This signals a shift in behavior: when choosing an Italian wine, a growing share of international consumers increasingly links Italy with a more contemporary drinking experience - often tied to social occasions, aperitivo culture, perceived lightness and versatility with food.

Prosecco and Metodo Classico

Within global demand, Prosecco remains a key driver. In 2025, Conegliano Valdobbiadene stands out, closing the year up double digits (+10%). It is a sign of momentum for a denomination that international consumers often perceive as more identity-driven and quality-led, able to highlight origin and style.

At the same time, bottlings of Metodo Classico are also positive, from major denominations such as Franciacorta and Trento Doc to more niche productions like Oltrepo Pavese and Alta Langa. This matters from a consumption perspective because it suggests that, alongside more immediate and accessible choices linked to higher purchase frequency, there is also growing strength in premium occasions and higher-value experiential moments - often decisive in mature markets.

What export-market stability in 2025 suggests

Exports ending essentially flat versus 2024 can be read as a sign of maturity. When a category becomes truly global, growth is not always linear year to year: it often turns into consolidation, with selective gains in the strongest denominations and in segments that best match consumption trends.

In this sense, the results cited for Prosecco (including Conegliano Valdobbiadene) and Metodo Classico point to two complementary strengths:

• on the one hand, the ability to cover broad, frequent consumption;

• on the other, value creation around premium occasions and storytelling more closely tied to territory and production method.

Looking ahead, for distributors, growth will increasingly come from the ability to turn the appeal of Italian sparkling wines into a stable, differentiated presence - investing in market-by-market assortments (formats, styles and price tiers aligned with local consumption), in category management agreements and plans with retailers (shelf visibility, rotation, promotional calendars), as well as structured work with foodservice (selection by venue type, by-the-glass listings, staff training and service materials).

For distribution players, sales data and demand forecasting will also be key, helping ensure continuity, optimize the product portfolio and build a strong narrative around denominations (territory, style, method) to make value recognizable and protect margins.

A category increasingly central in international consumption

Taken together - more than one billion bottles, a strong international focus, and resilience in export markets - the picture is clear: Italian sparkling wines are one of the most recognizable expressions of the Italian lifestyle worldwide.

Across the supply chain (producers, importers, distributors, specialist retailers and foodservice channels), operators can rely on structured global demand, with room to reach both loyal consumers and new commercial opportunities. This potential allows the market to turn stability into qualitative growth: consolidate shelf presence (in retail) and wine-list presence (in foodservice), refine segmentation (usage occasions and price tiers), and bring out the distinctive character of the denominations that lead international consumption.