From the heart of Italian vineyards to the global market: the journey with Intesa Sanpaolo’s Agribusiness Division

Inside every bottle of wine that tells Italy’s story to the world lies a narrative of passion, tradition, and innovation. And alongside these stories are those who work every day to empower the dreams and meet the challenges of winemaking businesses: Intesa Sanpaolo’s Agribusiness Division.

Created to support companies across the entire agri-food supply chain, Agribusiness is now a unique national network, part of the Banca dei Territori led by Stefano Barrese. With special attention dedicated to the wine sector, it supports 172 agri-food supply chains through the Supply Chain Development Program—an innovative collaboration model between banks and businesses designed to strengthen Italian production chains by promoting growth, competitiveness, and access to credit along the entire value chain.

“More than any other product, wine tells the soul of Italy, the richness of its territories, and the vision of its companies. Our mission is to create value for the over 7,000 wineries that have chosen us as their partner,” explains Massimiliano Cattozzi, Head of the Agribusiness Division at Intesa Sanpaolo. “The challenges these companies face today—from entering international markets to sustainability, digitalization, and generational transition—require not just financial support, but also expertise, vision, and tailored tools.”

In recent years, the Agribusiness Division has provided over €7 billion in financing, but its support goes far beyond numbers: strategies for internationalization, business risk protection, insurance solutions, and initiatives for the green transition are all part of a comprehensive offer built to foster the growth and resilience of businesses.

Risk management was also a key topic for Intesa Sanpaolo at this year’s Vinitaly, where it hosted a dedicated conference. “Today more than ever,” Cattozzi emphasizes, “companies need quick responses, clear plans, and real protection. With 360-degree consulting and careful planning, we can help turn uncertainty into new opportunities for growth.”

It’s a team effort, grounded in the presence of 1,100 specialists across 250 operational centers throughout the country—ready to act wherever business needs and ambitions arise.

Looking ahead also means investing in younger generations. In the world of wine, where tradition and innovation must coexist, generational change becomes a strategic lever. “Supporting young entrepreneurs,” concludes Cattozzi, “means building a more technological, sustainable, and competitive agriculture. Enabling the handover means protecting the very future of our winemaking excellence.”

Participation in Vinitaly 2025 was not only a moment for dialogue, but above all, an opportunity to reaffirm a commitment: to walk alongside Italian businesses, helping them grow, innovate, and bring the unmistakable value of our territories to the world.