In the last ten years, Italian agri-food exports have undergone an experiment. Extraordinary developmentreaching record values that have strengthened Made in Italy’s position in global markets. The sector has seen significant growth, going from From 34 billion euros in 2014 to around 70 billion euros in 2024.
Second Colderity analysis, based on 2024 ISTAT dataThis is expected to be a record year for Italian agri-food exports.
Wine is the king of Italian exports.
is at the top of the rankings. Most exported products from Italywe look for wine. This sector, which represents a strength of our gastronomic tradition, has seen a rapid increase in its overall value in recent years.
Italian wine confirmed its dominance in exports. Thanks to its quality and the varieties available, from full-bodied reds like Barolo and Amarone, to fresh whites like Pinot Grigio, to sparkling ones like Prosecco.
Not only that, the product maintains a leadership position among Italian products sold abroad, representing a significant part of the total export value. The success of this product is also linked to a c.Increasing demand from consumer markets fast demand. i The United StatesFor example, the value of Italian wine exports has increased by 150% in the last ten years, with America confirming itself as the main reference market for our wine. Even in Europe the numbers are impressive, to which exports have increased. France (+90%), Germany (+71%) e Great Britain (+57%).
The most exported wine products are Prosecco, which has seen an astonishing growth, becoming the most consumed wine in the world thanks to its freshness, versatility and its good quality-price ratio.
Best-selling Italian products abroad
Besides wine, other Italian agri-food products have also managed to conquer international markets with excellent sales performance. Among the products that have seen significant growth, we find:
- Processed fruits and vegetablessuch as fruit juices, jams, tomato concentrates and vegetable preserves;
- CheeseWith products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Pecorino Romano and Gorgonzola being the most requested.
- Pasta Italian
- The oil olive;
- Cured meat and meat;
- Fresh fruits and vegetablesEspecially citrus fruits, apples, pears, strawberries, melons, tomatoes and peppers.
Challenges to support the development of Made in Italy
Despite the successes achieved, the Italian agri-food sector faces challenges. Challenges of sustaining and accelerating export growth. Among the important issues to be addressed are: Infrastructure delays that Italy must be overcome. According to an analysis by the Devalga Study Center, infrastructure delays cost approx. 9 billion euros In lost exports. This infrastructure gap makes transporting products more difficult, slows entry into international markets and increases operating costs for companies.
Another issue that threatens this sector is counterfeiting. Fake made-in agri-food prices have risen in Italy. 120 billion euros globallyAnd to counter this, it is necessary to adopt more effective strategies to protect and promote authentic products. According to Colderity’s analysis, an important aspect in combating counterfeiting is the implementation of the principle of reciprocity in international trade policies, particularly in agreements concluded by the EU with third countries.
In any case, to support the growth trend of Italian agri-food exports, Italy has set an ambitious target: The value of agri-food exports will reach 100 billion euros by 2030.. This goal is considered achievable thanks to the quality of the products, the solid reputation of Made in Italy and the continued commitment of agricultural and food companies.
In fact, the Italian agri-food sector has a supply chain that includes approx. 4 million workers740,000 were distributed to agricultural companies and 70,000 to food industries. This number is a sign of the great potential of this sector, which can still develop and establish itself in new markets, continuing to enhance the traditions and distinctive flavors of our land.
