“The first half of 2022 has given us great satisfaction both in Italy and in our main export markets. In GTR Limoncino Bottega is one of our most popular labels and, while Limoncino is our leader product in the category, liqueurs and other spirits are also doing very well on the market. Beside Limoncino we also offer Limoncino cream (Crema di Limoncino Bottega), which is reserved for a niche set of consumers.”

Another major player in the Italian liqueurs sector is Luxardo and, while sales are going well, export account manager Nicolò Luxardo believes inflation could undo a lot of limoncello’s recent progress. “Our Limoncello is performing very well both in European countries as well as further overseas and the rate of growth shows that there is a growing interest for this type of product. However, as with every other category the current issues with growing costs of goods and shortages in packaging and raw materials could severely harm the growth we’ve seen in this category.”

It seems a shame to finish on a negative, but the challenges which already existed before the pandemic have now been inflamed by inflation across Europe, caused by both the war in Ukraine and Covid-19. This, combined with the very real threat of climate change to the niche lemon varieties used to make traditional limoncello, the category is facing a storm of issues. However, while the Spritz continues to thrive among younger consumers and alternative, lower-abv serves are in increasing demand, limoncello’s properties could see it thrive under pressure.