Giacomo Ponti , 53, from Ghemme in Piedmont and an industrialist in the historic family-run vinegar company, is the new president of Federvini , a 21.5 billion euro supply chain that includes a production network of over 40,000 industrial companies, providing employment to over 81,000 direct workers. Ponti takes over from Micaela Pallini , who has led the association for the past four years. All federvini mandates last four years and are not renewable. In an international context marked by wars, geopolitical instability, commercial uncertainties and cultural challenges, the Italian wine, spirits and vinegar sector confirms its role as a pillar of the national agri-food sector . According to Nomisma data for the Federvini Observatory , in 2024 overall exports reached 10.5 billion euros , with a positive trade balance of 8.9 billion , strengthening Italy’s leadership on international markets. The data were presented today during the Federvini General Assembly , which also marked the handover of leadership of the Federation.
The Assembly also approved the renewal of Federvini’s governance, with the appointment of Vice Presidents Aldo Davoli and Piero Mastroberardino , Albiera Antinori as President of the Wine Group, Leonardo Vena as President of the Spirits Group and Sabrina Federzoni as President of the Vinegar Group.
Ponti, at the helm of the historic family business founded in 1787 in Ghemme, represents the ninth generation of a company that is a symbol of Italian vinegar and preserve production. With his appointment, for the first time a representative of the vinegar sector assumes the presidency of the Federation , confirming the growing centrality of all the supply chains represented by Federvini. A choice that strengthens the bond between entrepreneurial tradition and representation of Made in Italy agri-food.
“ I accept this role with a sense of responsibility – said the new president Ponti – in a complex historical phase, marked by strong international tensions and uncertainties. Federvini will continue to represent our companies with strength and competence, enhancing their quality, sustainability and economic centrality . Among the priority objectives of my mandate is the strengthening of the international competitiveness of our sector, protecting first and foremost the cultural value of all sectors, from wines to spirits to vinegars, which constitute an economic heritage of extraordinary prestige for our country”.
“ I leave the Presidency with pride and gratitude – declared Micaela Pallini – for the work carried out in complex years, in which we have strengthened the role of our supply chains in Italy and Europe. We have defended the cultural and social value of our production model, supported competitiveness and promoted conscious consumption. My best wishes to Giacomo Ponti: he will be able to lead Federvini with vision and determination .”
According to Nomisma surveys for the Federvini Observatory in the first quarter of 2025 , sales in large-scale retail trade recorded an overall stable trend, with differentiated dynamics between sectors.
Wine generated a value of 694 million euros , recording a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period of the previous year. Driving the segment are quality sparkling wines, with Metodo Classico growing by 7.1% and sweet Charmat increasing by 2%. Generic and sparkling wines remain in difficulty, while wines with protected geographical indication (PGI) mark a +1.1% in value.
The spirits sector is also suffering from a certain weakness with sales of 274 million euros , down 3.2% on 2024. However, positive performances stand out for some segments, such as Gin (+14.2%), alcoholic aperitifs are holding up, while Grappa, sweet and bitter liqueurs are in decline.
The trend of vinegars is more positive, with a growth of 1.8% in value in the first quarter. In particular, the performances of apple vinegar (+6.4%) and wine vinegar (+1.5%) stand out. On the other hand, Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI suffers a slight contraction of 0.7%, while maintaining a significant market share, equal to 32% of the total sold in large-scale retail trade.
In summary, according to Nomisma Wine Monitor, a picture that in the first quarter of 2025 showed signs of a general slowdown:
- wine grew by only 0.7% in value, penalised by the slowdown in the United Kingdom and by growing competition from third countries;
- spirits mark a +3.1%, driven by liqueurs (+10.9%), while Grappa drops by 14%;
- vinegars fell by 1.4%, although they maintained positive performances in 2024 in key markets such as the United States, Germany, France and South Korea.
“ My goal – concluded Ponti – is to create value . For businesses, for territories, for the Italian system. Economic value, but also reputational. Federvini will be a strong and competent garrison for an Italy that produces, innovates and dialogues with the world, with pride and responsibility.”