The annual award, which honours visionary professionals redefining the world of wine, beverages and hospitality through innovation, connection and inclusivity, has now been made official.
Since its founding in 2014, only five Italians have made it onto the prestigious list (Giulia Cecchi and Francesca Nonino in 2024, and Vittorio Marzotto in 2017).
This year, the magazine recognises Cristian Specogna, third-generation winemaker at the Specogna winery, for “letting his corner of Friuli Colli Orientali DOC sing through his glass”.
“And he has made the family estate a place of inclusion and training for people with autism spectrum disorders,” it continued.
Wine Enthusiast also highlights Tommaso Canella, third-generation leader of Casa Vinicola Canella, for combining entrepreneurial spirit and cultural sensitivity to usher Bellini into a new era.
Originally from San Donà di Piave (Venice), the 30-year-old has helped guide the family business, recognised as a Historic Brand of National Interest, from producing pure Prosecco to entering the premium ready-to-drink market with pre-mixed beverages made from wine and Italian PDO ingredients.
Today, for Canella, this category (still anchored by the Glera grape, the base of Prosecco) accounts for 75 per cent of total revenue, roughly €25 million. Growth has been driven by booming demand in the United States, where the company doubled its revenue in the past year.
According to UIV Observatory data based on IWSR, ready-to-drink beverages are now the fifth-largest alcohol category among American consumers, holding a 38 per cent share - more than double that of Italian consumers.
Millennials (ages 28–43) dominate the market, accounting for 49 per cent of total consumption, while Gen Z (up to age 27) also shows above-average demand at 40 per cent.
The consumer profile skews predominantly female (42 per cent versus 33 per cent male), with women particularly drawn to products featuring low or moderate alcohol content.
Ready-to-drink beverages are the only major alcohol category to have grown in the U.S. market over the past two years (+2 per cent), thanks in part to their popularity among Hispanics, one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.
ANSA
