Fantini Wines has been named a “Best Managed Company” for 2026. For the ninth consecutive year, the Abruzzo-based wine group has received this recognition—part of a program promoted by Deloitte Private—which honors Italian companies that excel in management quality and the ability to build sustainable, long-term growth strategies. The decision was made by an independent jury of Italian academic and institutional figures, who commended Fantini for its robust strategic vision, its commitment to sustainable development, and its unwavering focus on the highest standards of corporate management.

The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, October 29, at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan—home to the Italian Stock Exchange—as part of the event celebrating the winners of the ninth Italian edition of the Best Managed Companies Award.

“For the ninth time, Fantini has earned this prestigious recognition. One might assume that such a ‘streak’ implies a foregone conclusion, but the reality is quite the opposite. Maintaining a high level of performance is becoming increasingly difficult; standards are constantly rising, and the evaluation processes are growing more rigorous”, comments Gianpiero Pazzanese, General Manager of the Fantini Group. “This consistent achievement at the highest level serves as a testament to the strength of the company’s expertise and corporate culture—even as people and stories evolve, the management’s capability remains steadfast, effectively leveraging everyone’s contributions to the greatest possible advantage”.

Founded in 1994 in Ortona, Fantini has grown into one of the leading wine exporters in Southern Italy, building its development on a commitment to quality, a focus on marketing, and a management model that successfully combines an entrepreneurial spirit with professional corporate organization.

“Despite a period of significant transformation within the sector, the past year has been an exciting one for Fantini Wines,” continues Pazzanese. “The company is strengthening day by day across its entire value chain, as evidenced by our solid relationships with clients and consumers worldwide. Fantini’s success is built on clear foundations. First, a well-defined strategy that guides us daily—one we remain committed to, even when circumstances might tempt others to opt for short-term tactics. Second, an obsessive attention to quality: from the vineyard to the label on the bottle, every detail is conceived and executed to ensure the best possible experience. Furthermore, we keep our sights firmly set on the future to anticipate emerging tastes; research and development into grape varieties and winemaking techniques are core components of our operations, in which we invest significant resources and expertise. Finally, we prioritize our human capital—Fantini represents what is perhaps an ideal blend of a family-run business and a professionally managed corporation.”

The “Best Managed Companies” program originated in Canada in 1993 and has since expanded internationally. It was introduced in Italy in 2018 with the goal of identifying and recognizing companies that excel in terms of performance, management quality, innovation, and the robustness of their organizational models. The program goes beyond the mere presentation of an award; it aims to foster a network of high-performing companies and encourage an ongoing exchange of best management practices. “In this ninth edition, we are presenting the award to 70 organizations, evaluated by a team of Deloitte professionals alongside a jury of experts, based on a set of long-established criteria. All the winning companies distinguish themselves through excellent management and leadership capabilities, as well as organizational stability, the effective leveraging of their assets, and investments in strategic areas such as digitalization. Although they operate within an uncertain landscape, for these ‘Best Managed Companies’ (BMCs), digital transformation and innovation are top priorities for strengthening their business development and competitiveness,” states Andrea Restelli, a Deloitte Partner and head of the Best Managed Companies program in Italy.