Exports of 'Made In Italy' agrifood products reached a record level in 2018, seeing an increase of 1.8%, with an overall value of €41.8 billion.
This is according to Italian farmers association Coldiretti, based on the final Istat data for 2018.
Almost two thirds of Italian exports went to European countries, with Germany accounting for the highest percentage, while outside the EU, the main reference market for Italian food is the United States.
Italian wine is the most exported product, with growth of 3%. Sparkling winesexports increased by 13%, with an overall sales value over €1.5 billion.
Meats and cheese exports also recorded a strong performance with an increase of 3% in value. Pasta exports increased by 2%, based on projections on Istat data for the fist ten months of the year.
According to Ettore Prandini, President of Coldiretti, the performance of Italian products on international markets could improve with more protection against international 'agropiracy', valued at more than €100 billion, where products developed in other markets are branded as being of Italian origin.
Prandini also suggests the creation of a single agency to promote Made In Italy products abroad, and improve national transport networks in order to move goods more quickly.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Alessandra Arosio. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
