Brewing or distilling dregs and waste market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the Italian market for brewing and distilling dregs and waste reached $62.2 million, supported by active valorization of winemaking residues for grappa, brandy, and bioethanol production, with major distilleries involved. The market declined to $49.7 million in 2019 while the industry continued focusing on sustainable biofuels. By 2020, market volume stabilized at $48.4 million.

A sharp increase to $68.8 million occurred in 2021, facilitated by government measures to alleviate the energy crisis impact on distilleries, reducing production costs, and growing initiatives to generate renewable energy from waste. In 2022, the market remained high at $68.4 million as companies launched innovative products like vodka made from redistilled gin waste, despite obstacles in using food waste for alcohol production.

By 2023, the market decreased to $59.2 million despite the inauguration of Italy's first biomethane plant from liquid distillation residues and expanded use of grape pomace for feed and boilers. Subsequently, in 2024, market volume fell to $52.3 million, largely explained by a sharp drop in wine and fruit spirit production due to poor harvests, which reduced waste generation, even amid growth in the gin segment and investments in renewable energy.

Production brewing or distilling dregs and waste in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Italy's production of brewing or distilling dregs and waste in monetary terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 24 509 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of brewing or distilling dregs and waste in physical terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 820.1 thousand tonnes were produced, representing a 25.8% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 80.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports brewing or distilling dregs and waste from Italy

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Exports varied significantly, with a 9.3-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2020, volumes leaving Italy totaled 7.2 thousand tonnes, indicating a modest decline of 3.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.8 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 7.5 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 39.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 831.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Germany clearly dominated the partner structure for exports in kind, with other countries collectively accounting for the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a swing of 39 times. In 2020, exports from Italy totaled 1 469 thousand US dollars, a 7.3% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 38 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 66.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 3,507.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey accounted for 84.7% of total exports in value terms of brewing or distilling dregs and waste from Italy, with the remainder distributed among a wide range of smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports brewing or distilling dregs and waste to Italy

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, foreign supplies of brewing or distilling dregs and waste to Italy registered 128.6 thousand tonnes, up by 3.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 124.5 thousand tonnes, and the maximum was in 2018 at 157.2 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 20.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Austria (35.9% of imports in kind), Hungary (24.2% of imports in kind), and Slovakia (17.6% of imports in kind) were the primary suppliers of brewing or distilling dregs and waste to Italy, jointly accounting for 77.7% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of brewing or distilling dregs and waste in monetary terms to Italy declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 25 351 thousand US dollars, which is 2.6% less than the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 35 230 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 27.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Austria (36.7% of imports in value terms), Hungary (26.2% of imports in value terms), and Slovakia (18.8% of imports in value terms) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 81.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020