Distribuzione e Revenue

🍷 Following a global downturn in wine consumption post-pandemic in 2023, 2024 continued the negative trend, particularly in international trade. Among the top 12 wine-importing markets, accounting for over 60% of global imports, only the United States, Canada, China, and Brazil posted positive changes. Italian wine outperformed, with sparkling wines in these markets seeing a +4.8% value increase, versus an aggregate average of -5.1%. The U.S. recorded an +11% increase, Australia +10%, and Canada +9%. During the XI Forum Wine Monitor, it was noted that Chinese wine imports rebounded by 38% due to the return of Australian wines after a ban in 2021. Australian wine exports grew by 30% in 2024, while French wine exports dropped another 2.4%. On the domestic front, Modern Distribution in Italy saw a nearly -2% decrease in wine sales in hypermarkets and supermarkets, with red wines down -4.6% and sparkling wines -7.4%. Italian wine exports grew in Eastern Europe and Latin America, with notable increases in Poland (+26%), Czech Republic (+47%), Romania (+22%), Mexico (+3%), and Ecuador (+56%).

📈 Coca-Cola's financial results for Q4 and the full year 2024 show a 6% revenue increase to $11.5 billion in Q4 and a 3% increase to $47.1 billion annually, with a 12% rise in organic revenue. Operating margin dropped to 21.2% from 24.7%, while earnings per share fell to $2.46, although comparable EPS grew by 7% to $2.88. Cash from operations was $6.8 billion, reflecting a $6.0 billion IRS deposit. Excluding this, free cash flow reached $10.8 billion. For 2025, an organic revenue growth of 5-6% is projected. Coca-Cola expanded its distribution network by 250,000 new retail outlets and nearly 600,000 new coolers in 2024. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar sales rose by 13%, contributing to positive performance in China, Brazil, and the USA.

📍 In the tourism sector, smart destinations are increasingly important, with cities like Turin experiencing record hotel occupancy and adr over the past two years, plus high online visibility. Flavio Tagliabue from the Associazione Startup Turismo highlights the role of startups, like Augmented City with its augmented reality experiences, and Immodrone, led by CEO Simone Russo, which employs drones, big data, and AI to target high-spending clients.

📈 Gianluca Rubino, CEO of Kel 12, focused on expanding the Italian travel group by renting the Tucano Viaggi Ricerca, established in 1977 by Willy Fassio. The rental, similar to I Viaggi di Maurizio Levi's case, is a prelude to acquiring the brand, emphasizing the revival of travel in Central and South America. Willy Fassio continues to refine the product strategy and brand image from the strategically located office in Piazza Solferino, Turin. Kel 12 has seen a 39% revenue increase in the first four months of the new fiscal year, with a surge in demand for significant travel experiences, where expert consulting plays a crucial role.

🛫 The Australian Government is considering taking over the bankrupt regional airline Rex to make it a state-owned carrier. With no current buyers interested, the government's plan is to acquire Rex, which connects various inland cities with routes deemed essential, until a buyer is found.

🏖️; Luxury travel is evolving, focusing on experiential luxury, which demands high specialization and effective storytelling. Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio, highlights the importance of impacting the local territory and community. Giorgio Scaramuzza from Alpitour's Ego brand emphasizes offering unique, authentic experiences, such as selecting natural structures in the Maldives rather than artificial islands. Gaetano Scancarello from Mangia’s discusses biofilia, where luxury is derived from nature-centered experiences. Stefano Bajona, founder of Onirikos, notes that luxury tourism requires hyper-specialization to create memorable, complex stories that aren't easily found or replicated online.

💸 Belstay Hotels, in its second year, saw a revenue increase to €20.6 million in 2024, up 8% from 2023, with over 190,000 rooms sold across Milan, Venice Mestre, and Rome. The brand hosted over 320,000 guests (50% business, 40% leisure, 10% Mice), with a 12% business increase in the Mice segment and a 74% surge in the Sports segment. Roberto Di Tullio, CEO, highlights growth across all key performance indicators and market appreciation for the brand's high-quality hospitality and strong Italian tradition.

🏖️ In 2025, the Italian market sees a revival, with bookings in January up 29% from 2024. The average spending per client increased by 28% over five years, from €1,280 in 2019 to €1,640 in the previous year. Easter bookings in Egypt surged by 83%, with 4,000 reservations for that period, notably in Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, and Hurgada. Tunisia bookings grew by 69%, despite new passport requirements. Italy's growth remained modest at 3%, while the Canary Islands faced challenges. Veratour CEO Stefano Pompili predicts a positive 2025, with revenue expected to exceed the pre-pandemic threshold, reaching €265 million, an 8% annual growth, aiming for €300 million by 2027.

✈ In 2024, Volotea operated over 3,300 flights from Venice's Marco Polo Airport, an increase of 11%, carrying over 511,000 passengers, up by 13%. The airline offered 22 routes, with 45% being exclusive. Since 2012, Volotea has transported over 7.2 million passengers from Venice. Valeria Rebasti, the airline's International Market Director, highlights the appreciation for their routes. For the current year, Volotea plans a 13% increase in seat sales to 635,000 and a 7% increase in flights to over 3,600.