Italian DOP buffalo mozzarella exports have more than doubled in the period between 2006 and 2016, from 15.6% to 32.1%.
During the same period, production increased by 31%, according to data published by the Consortium for the Protection of Buffalo Mozzarella.
Increased Sales
A further record looks set to be established in 2017, as in the first eight months there has been a further increase of 7.5% in production compared to 2016.
In absolute terms, 5,280 tonnes of buffalo mozzarella were exported in 2006, a figure that has grown to 14,190 in 2016, representing a growth of +168.7%. France remains the lead destination country for exports (27.63% of mozzarella overseas exports), followed by Germany (23.6%) and UK (13%).
Japan (3.17%) and Eastern Europe have shown the highest growth trend, headed by Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary (1.39% across the three countries).
New Markets
According to Consortium president, Domenico Raimondo, logistics challenges in reaching even wider markets must be overcome with new technologies, with particular focus on transport and preserving the product.
The data comes just days after farmers association Coldiretti reported a 7% increase in Italian cheese exports compared to last year, with an overall growth of 84% over the past decade.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
