The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has released the provisional list of beneficiaries for the 2025/26 OCM wine promotion funds, aimed at supporting Italian wine exports to non-European markets. The announcement follows a decree signed on October 10, 2025, and comes after a call for proposals launched in May, which, for the first time, was managed entirely through the national agricultural information system, Sian. The process included an extension for project submissions, granted in July, to allow more time for companies and associations to participate.
This year, the ministry allocated about 27 million euros in national funds for the program, with an additional 3 million euros reserved to settle outstanding payments from the previous campaign. When combined with co-financing from participating companies, the total investment in foreign markets is expected to exceed 63 million euros. The OCM wine promotion measure is considered crucial for the Italian wine sector, especially in a year marked by significant challenges in international markets.
Italian wine producers have faced difficulties, particularly in the United States, which remains the most important export market for Italian wine. In 2024, Italy exported wine to the U.S. worth approximately 1.9 billion euros. However, concerns have grown over the impact of a 15% tariff on wine imports, imposed by the Trump administration following an agreement with the European Union in August. The ministry has responded by introducing more flexible rules in this year’s call for proposals, aiming to help companies adapt to the uncertainties of the global market and ensure that projects can be fully implemented.
The provisional list published by the ministry, led by Francesco Lollobrigida, includes 15 beneficiaries, ranked by their evaluation scores. The list features both individual companies and temporary business associations, as allowed by the OCM wine promotion rules. At the top are four beneficiaries, each with 84 points: Marchesi Frescobaldi, which will receive a 2 million euro grant for a promotional project with a total value exceeding 4 million euros after co-financing; Nosio spa, set to receive 3 million euros; Schenk Italia, with 1.34 million euros; and Be Wines, with 1.44 million euros.
Other notable recipients include Società Agricola Roeno, Federdoc, Fantini Group—which recently expanded its presence in Spain—and La Marca. Significant funding has also been assigned to Herita Marzotto and Zonin1821, each with projects surpassing 8 million euros in total value when state contributions are included. The Istituto Grandi Marchi, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, will receive 3.87 million euros for a promotional plan with a total budget of over 9.5 million euros.
The list also includes associations and consortia such as Magellano, Vigneto Italia, and Italian Essence, each receiving between 500,000 and 750,000 euros. Tuscany & Co is at the bottom of the provisional ranking with 68 points but has secured approval for a project worth nearly 5.5 million euros.
All beneficiaries must now pass pre-contractual checks. If these are completed successfully, contracts with Agea, the agency responsible for agricultural payments, are expected to be signed within 30 days. This will allow the promotional plans to begin, with the goal of strengthening the position of Italian wines in key international markets and opening new opportunities for growth. The ministry hopes that the changes made to the process this year will address the criticisms and difficulties experienced in previous years, providing more effective support for the Italian wine industry at a critical time.
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