In 2024, Italian exports have reached new targets, which Our country’s global leadership in food sector. According to the Colderity Report on Istat data published in January 2025, products typical of the Mediterranean diet – such as extra virgin olive oil, pasta and wine – recorded a Significant increase in sales+56% for olive oil, +5% for pasta and also increases for wine and processed tomatoes.
Exports are increasing thanks to the success of the Mediterranean diet in the world.
Mediterranean diet, voted best in the world U.S. News & World Report detailed rankingsIt continues to conquer global tables thanks to its numerous health benefits. Apart from ensuring weight control, heart health and nervous system health, it is known to prevent cancer and chronic diseases as well as promote diabetes control.
In short, the Mediterranean diet has become a real brand that enjoys an excellent reputation in the world, reflecting exports, which saw a significant increase in 2024As defining itself as important for the growth of the economy and the development of the entire agri-food sector.
Oil, fish, pasta and tomatoes are the main players of Italy’s exports.
The numbers speak clearly: The price of extra virgin olive oil saw a 56% increase.while fish recorded +12%. PastaSales of a popular traditional Italian food saw a 5% increase, with processed tomatoes, which saw a 6% increase. too Alcohol performed positively.Confirms its dominant presence in foreign markets.
They also deserve a mention. Fruits, vegetables and legumeswhich, despite a more modest increase, continues successfully with a value increase of +7%.
Challenges associated with NutriScore and preservation of popular products
However, not everything is rosy for Mediterranean diet products. New nutrition labeling systems, e.g NutriScoremay threaten that reputation.
NutriScore, let’s remember, is a nutritional labeling system that assigns a letter, And A and EFor each food, indicates Nutritional quality. The label is color coded (green, yellow, orange, red) that represents the score assigned to the product. The system is algorithm based. which takes into account various nutritional factors, including calorie intake, sugar levels, saturated fat, salt intake, fiber content, and protein intake.
Well, as Coldiretti was found by experts, this procedure actually is Punishes certain products of the Mediterranean diet.Focusing on ingredients like sugar, salt and fat without taking into account the actual amounts consumed in traditional dishes.
A typical example is extra virgin olive oil.which, although recognized worldwide for its quality and benefits, recently received a “B” (formerly “C”) rating, while other carbonated beverages and ultra-processed foods, including Often lacking in natural ingredients, they earn an “A” score, the best ever
The real problem is that this system Excludes natural and healthy foods from the food tradition.so it may favor industrial products whose composition is sometimes unknown. For this reason, Colderetti has asked the European Commission to definitively block Nutriscore, which is considered a misleading system that could jeopardize the quality and reputation of Italian products.
However, it must also be said that The European Commission has not yet formally adopted this labeling system. at the community level. Although it has been introduced in some member states, such as France, and has received support from a number of experts and health organizations, there has been political disagreement and resistance from some countries to adopt a uniform approach across the European Union. Due to the obstacle, among which – of course – Italy. These differences have led to a deadlock, with the commission taking its time before making a final decision on the matter.
