Campania wine exports grow by 200 percent in 10 years

Naples - In the past 10 years, wine exports from the Campania region accounted for more than a 200 percent increase compared to the national figures, which reported an 85 percent increase. Campania-based producers have responded with quality wines and controlled origin denomination (DOC) products, especially for white wines, as opposed to the large quantities produced in other regions. Shortly before the opening of the Vinitaly event, the Governor of the Campania Region, Vincenzo De Luca, said that, "We don't produce large quantities such as in Veneto, Piedmont or Tuscany. However, our production is an example of excellence. From 2006 to 2016, our production increased by 261 percent. We believe that many are markets that demand our products."

The larger the quantity produced, the higher will be the market demand. The Governor added that in previous editions, Campania producers participated individually in Vinitaly "and they were in a more tenuous situation in respect to ones from other regions. This year, we joined forces instead to participate as one group, making the most of the products from our territories." On the whole, Campania can boast 15 DOC wines and 4 DOGC wines [controlled and guaranteed denomination], as well as 19 DOP wines [with a protected designation of origin] and 10 IGP [protected geographical label].

This increase in production has resulted in a change in the image of Campania, "which had recently been branded by the 'Terra dei fuochi' [toxic waste dumping areas where fires are generated] issues. It turned out to include territories which were far from these incidents." Regional funds have been allocated to support "more than 12,000 out of the 16,000 farms which applied", and the amounts will be paid over the next several weeks. The Region "has funded 11 Local Action Groups to enhance agricultural produce, thus confirming that financial aid for agriculture, agro-industries and the entire sector has been crucial for exports."