Massimiliano Cattozzi, head of the Agribusiness Division at Intesa Sanpaolo, stated: “For the fourth consecutive year, we are present at Vinitaly, adding value and tangible support for the future of our 7,000 wine-producing client companies. The agrifood sector, especially the wine industry, faces critical challenges related to internationalization, sustainability, digitalization, and generational change. Thus, in addition to financial tools—having disbursed nearly €7 billion since the Agribusiness Division’s establishment in 2021—we also provide all the expertise our Group has to offer in insurance, corporate services, and enterprise risk management, which is an essential factor in a dynamic context. Today, businesses require vision, protection, and adaptability. Careful planning and specialized consulting, aided by the tools at our disposal, enable navigation through this complex landscape, ultimately transforming uncertainty into growth opportunities.“.
The Agribusiness Division operates with 250 operational points, including 95 branches nationwide, and approximately 1,100 specialists, offering comprehensive financial solutions and consultancy to agrifood enterprises. Notably focused on the more than 7,000 client companies in the wine sector, a powerful symbol of Made in Italy, evidenced by nearly €20 million allocated for using their stock as collateral concerning DOC and DOCG wines with aging periods.
The conference will feature alongside Massimiliano Cattozzi, head of Agribusiness at Intesa Sanpaolo—a national network dedicated entirely to agrifood—leading individuals such as Andrea Lesca, CEO & General Director of Intesa Sanpaolo Insurance Agency, Francesca Zingales Botta, Head of Commodity Solutions at Imi Corporate & Investment Banking, and Stefania Trenti, Head of Industry & Local Economies Research at Intesa Sanpaolo. According to an internal survey by Intesa Sanpaolo at specialized Agribusiness branches, about half of the respondents indicated they are considering seeking new clients in emerging markets in response to heightened tariffs, while a third are contemplating opening commercial or production branches in the USA.
There is also notable caution regarding the timing of investments, with around 20% considering adjustments to pricing for the U.S. market. The study presented by the Intesa Sanpaolo Research Department highlighted that Italian agrifood exports saw a favorable trend in 2024: +8.3% at current prices compared to 2023, equating to €67.5 billion in value.
The United States represents a significant market for Italian food: the share of the U.S. in total food and beverage exports is 13.4%, higher than the manufacturing average (10.4%). For specific sectors, this share exceeds 20%, with peaks around 28% for soft drinks and bottled waters, and approximately 25% for olive oil and wine.
Wine exports are also performing well in 2024, with over €8 billion in sales abroad (+5.5% compared to 2023), propelled by robust results from overseas (USA +10.2%, Canada +15.2%) complemented by contributions from the German (+3.7%) and British (+1%) markets.
The summary of figures from the Agribusiness Division includes: €7 billion in disbursements since its establishment in 2021; 7,000 client companies in the wine sector; €80 million granted for revolving collateral on DOP agrifood products, of which €20 million is for DOC/DOCG/IG wines; 250 operational points, including 95 branches nationwide; and approximately 1,100 specialists.
