EBITDA at 27.5%, growing by more than 5 percentage points. Four new labels at Vinitaly, the result of constant commitment to research and development. And new perspectives opening up in the continuous search for unexplored markets, now attention is even on Africa. In short: in a wine sector affected by even a deep crisis, the 2024 financial statements are positive, as well as the future scenarios of Fantini Wines, the Abruzzo wine company, leader among exporters in Southern Italy, which faces a complex market with clear strategies and solid results.

Steady at the helm, even in the face of the storm. The route is traced, only slight corrections are needed to keep pace and go far. If we were to compare Valentino Sciotti, founder of Fantini, to a captain steering his ship, the nautical metaphor would be perfect. But there's another one he likes more: that of the bicycle (he's a passionate cyclist and sponsors professional teams participating in major international competitions): "You know, when the road is downhill, everyone is capable of going fast. But when the climb comes, that's where you really see who has the right pace". And the climb of 2024 for the wine world was steep. But Fantini faced it with the rhythm of someone who knows where they want to go.

THE NUMBERS OF AN EXCELLENCE
"Despite the negative trend affecting wine consumption, we managed to counter the slight contraction in sales volumes by focusing on high-end wines and strengthening our positioning in the medium-high segment," explains Francesco Santurbano, Chief Financial Officer of the group.
"We went from an EBITDA/turnover ratio of 22.2% in 2023 to 27.5% in 2024. An extraordinary result, also thanks to the full operation of the new production hub in Ortona, which allowed for strong containment of industrial costs and an increase in profitability. Moreover, our PFN dropped from 50.5 to 37.4 million euros". The wine turnover in 2024 was about 84 million euros. Behind these numbers is a clear vision, confirmed by Valentino Sciotti: "We chose to defend margins rather than chase turnover at all costs. A calculated risk that rewarded us. The numbers speak clearly, but what makes us prouder is the implicit recognition by consumers of the quality of our wines".

VINITALY 2025: 4 INNOVATIONS THAT TELL THE IDENTITY OF FANTINI
Continuous innovation also translates into new labels, to be presented at Vinitaly 2025:

Zolla Bianco Puglia IGT (100% Verdeca)

Zolla Rosato Puglia IGT (100% Nero di Troia)

Zenko Primitivo di Manduria DOP

Cava Cala Rey Finca Fella (100% Chardonnay), Spanish sparkling from the subsidiary Finca Fella

"Each of these innovations has a precise identity, based on oenological research, distinctive packaging, and excellent quality/price ratio," says Sciotti. "Because it's not enough to make great wines: the consumer must perceive that choosing Fantini is always a great deal".

MARKETS, CHALLENGES, AND NEW FRONTIERS: NOW WE LOOK TO AFRICA
Exports to over 90 countries, resilience in consolidated markets (from Germany to Asia), and a diversification strategy that now looks to new destinations. "The United States is an unknown due to potential tariffs," explains Sciotti. "But we have always worked to not be too exposed to that market. Today we want to explore new paths. In particular, we are investing in Africa: countries like Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and of course South Africa are beginning to show promising signals, especially for medium-high-end wines".

"WHEN YOU SEE A GREAT OAK..."
2025 will be a year with many uncertainties, but Fantini is preparing for every possible scenario, even the most unexpected. "I'm not passionate about non-alcoholic wine," says Sciotti frankly. "But we've been studying it for some time. Because if a new trend were to emerge, we want to be ready". Fantini looks ahead, with feet firmly planted in the land of Southern Italy, but with a curious and open gaze on the world.
As Sciotti concludes: "When you see a great oak, remember that everything started from a small acorn".