Italian wine export according to Edoardo Freddi International: deal done with Agriment

Edoardo Freddi International closed 2025 with 6% growth in value and 9% in volume. Over 38 million bottles sold and an active presence in 112 international markets. An excellent result for the export management company, which now manages 66 wineries, achieved in a complex context marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation, economic instability and new trade barriers for the wine industry. During 2025 the EFI group strengthened its position in the main international markets, consolidating its presence in Europe (approximately 45% of exports), particularly Germany, Switzerland and France. Same performance for Canada, Singapore and Japan. The United States is holding steady, which after a period of decline and subsequent recovery closed at -1%.

According to Edoardo Freddi, founder and CEO of Edoardo Freddi International, 2026 opens with a still complex scenario but rich in development prospects. A context that requires strategic vision and responsibility, both at company and sector level.

“2026 will be a perhaps more stable but equally complex year,” says Edoardo. “Unlike 2025, however, we know what to expect and how to tackle the most critical scenarios.”

For the wine sector, the evolution of wine storytelling becomes central, with positive, authentic and value-oriented messages. Aggregations, synergies and critical mass remain fundamental tools for facing increasingly competitive markets, together with targeted investments in expertise, positioning and key countries. Not only the often-cited China or central-south America thanks to Mercosur agreements among the markets to target.

“In our view, important prospects will come from Eastern Europe and the Balkans,” adds Freddi. “Vietnam is currently another interesting market. Prospects in Africa are very good but the problem of excessively high costs remains.”

Among the main trends identified for the new year are the rise of resistant varieties and climatically adaptable ones, including hybrid varieties capable of responding to drought. Demand is growing for light, dynamic, versatile and gastronomic wines, as well as interest in the No & Low alcohol segments, increasingly appreciated by young consumers focused on wellness.

“At EFI, we’re convinced that wine is not ‘in crisis,’ as is often claimed. Without doubt some operators are, but what’s really struggling is the old commercialization model,” states Edoardo Freddi confidently. “We need to innovate in various forms and read the signals from individual markets.”

A concrete example in this regard is the commercialization project in Denmark of Amarone in 500 ml format. “Denmark is the European country with statistically the most singles, about 40% of the population. The half-liter format, more practical, has allowed us to increase sales even with a higher unit price.”

A search, therefore, also directed at different approaches, sometimes less “traditional” but certainly effective. The premium sector is also evolving toward a value-oriented approach rather than simple price positioning, leading partner wineries in the Fine Wines landscape to work increasingly on allocations.

“The growth in 2025 confirms the solidity of our model, the quality of partnerships built over the years and the ability to adapt to global dynamics,” declares Freddi. “In 2026 we will continue to invest in EFI Fine Wines, our international hub for promoting Italian wine, in strengthening internal expertise and in increasingly structured governance, also thanks to the contribution of key figures such as the new Chief Strategy Officer Guido Baldeschi Balleani.”

Confirming the commitment on the international front, 2026 opens with a packed calendar of events. In addition to Wine Paris, EFI will be present at both ProWein, with an area of the stand dedicated to EFI Fine Wines, and at Vinitaly.

Within this strategy framework is the new partnership with Agriment Italia, a company specialized in developing international markets for Italian wine producers.

“We are pleased to announce the new partnership with Agriment Italia as well,” announces Edoardo Freddi, “a company specialized in developing international markets for Italian wine producers. This agreement confirms a strategy aimed at continuously strengthening our leadership, integrating new expertise and energy. Together we will be able to support producers even more effectively and bring Italian excellence to other high-potential markets, with increasing service quality and a shared vision for the sector’s future.” The collaboration stems from the desire to integrate complementary expertise to create synergy and strengthen the competitiveness of Italian wine worldwide.

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