Business choices, risk management and distortions in the wine market in the European Union

ABSTRACT The objective of this work is to analyze the management of technical and economic risks in agri-food production. It is well established that any business activity is characterized by risks that, if not managed efficiently and effectively, can cause a company’s downward spiral. In this context, the management of a winery requires the adoption of company policies aimed at reducing risk. This study highlights the fact that the wine insurance market is characterized by information asymmetry and adverse selection that contribute to the creation of ‘distorted markets’. The results of the empirical analysis show the collapse of subsidized insurance contracts in viticulture leading to a decrease in the public contribution provided to businesses.