Whiskies market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian whisky market experienced considerable volatility between 2019 and 2022. Market volume fell sharply to 6.5 million liters in 2020 before recovering to 10.0 million liters by 2022. In contrast, the market's value demonstrated consistent growth, rising from $47.4 million in 2019 to $121.2 million in 2022, signaling a consumer shift toward more expensive products.

Market growth continued from 2023 to 2024, with volume reaching 13.0 million liters and value remaining above $120 million. This expansion was primarily fueled by increasing global and domestic demand for premium and craft whiskies, as consumer preferences moved toward higher-quality, artisanal offerings. The growing culture of on-trade consumption in bars and restaurants, supported by enthusiast communities, further strengthened the market. While broader domestic spirits consumption declined, robust whisky exports highlighted strong international interest in Italian products.

Production whiskies in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Italy's whisky production was valued at 7 202 thousand US dollars, marking a modest increase of 2.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K l

Italy produced 2 691 thousand liters of whisky in 2020, which represents a 9.8% increase from 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.1%.

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

Exports whiskies from Italy

Exports in kind, K l

In 2020, Italy exported 6 003 thousand liters of whisky, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 28.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 46.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's whisky exports in volume were widely distributed across various markets. The Netherlands accounted for 20.0% of exports, Germany for 9.4%, and France for 9.4%, together making up only 38.7% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, Italy's whisky export volumes declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 51.4 million US dollars, reflecting a steep decrease of 38.3% from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 83.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 31.9%.

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

The market base for Italy's whisky exports in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. The Netherlands contributed 21.1% of export value, France 9.2%, and Germany 9.0%, together accounting for just 39.3% of total flows, while the remaining 60.7% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports whiskies to Italy

Imports in kind, K l

Following two years of growth, Italy's whisky import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 9 800 thousand liters, down by 33.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 645 thousand liters, which also experienced the largest increase of 30.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Italy's whisky imports in volume were the United Kingdom, accounting for 60.4% of imports, the United States at 15.7%, and France at 5.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 82.0% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Italy's imports of foreign whisky declined. In 2020, imports stood at 94.9 million US dollars, which is 23.2% lower than the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 123.6 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.1%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom was the main supplier of whisky to Italy in value terms, accounting for 54.7% of imports, followed by the United States at 17.2%, and France at 6.4%. Together, these three countries made up 78.4% of total import value.

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

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