Never have so many bottles of Prosecco been uncorked in the world as in 2021, a Coldiretti report based on Istat data has revealed.
During the first months of the year, over 120 million bottles were shipped abroad, a record increase in exports of 17%, making Prosecco by far the most exported wine accounting for about one-third of all bubbly sales, followed by Cava (14%) and Champagne (11%)
The United States emerged as the top buyer of Prosecco, registering a growth of 17%. Elsewhere, the greatest increase was seen in Germany at 29% and France at 21%.
Export Hurdles To The UK
Despite being the second biggest importer, the UK bucked the trend with a drop of 9%, as a result of the bureaucratic and administrative difficulties linked to Brexit.
The main obstacles for those exporting to the UK, according to Coldiretti, are customs procedures and the increase in transport costs due to delays and increased controls.
In 2018, exports of Italian prosecco to the UK fell by 7%. It was the first time that the rate of growth was in the negative.
Counterfeit Products
The situation has encouraged counterfeits and imitations, and the sales of fake Prosecco in cans or on tap in UK pubs backs the claim, the study noted.
Prosecco is the most vulnerable to counterfeiting among wine varieties, and the presence of imitations all over the world, ranging from Meer-secco to Kressecco, Semisecco to Consecco, and Whitesecco to Crisecco, testifies the theory.
The latest reason for concern is the request for recognition of Croatian Prosek in the EU, which Italy has opposed.
The production of Prosecco sparkling wine involves the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, nine provinces and three denominations of origin – Prosecco Doc, Prosecco di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Docg and Asolo Prosecco Docg – for a total production of over 600 million bottles.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest Drinks news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
