Italy exported €1.6 billion of festive foods during the first nine months of 2017, representing growth of 13.2% compared to 2016.
The figures come from the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Monza Brianza and Lodi, reports Radio Lombardia. The list of products ranges from sparkling wine to lentils, cotechino sausage and traditional panettone.
The UK and the US are the top export destinations, registering growth of 11% and 19%, respectively. Germany is third, followed by France, Switzerland and Austria. However, the highest growth has been achieved in Russia (+34%) and Canada (+22%).
Popular Products
Spumante and Prosecco are mostly exported to the UK, with sales worth €267 million in 2017, up 13.1% compared to last year. This is followed by the US, with sales of €217 million (+17%), but demand is growing strongly in Russia (+41%) and Canada (+25%).
The majority of Panettone exports are sent to France, with sales of €86.4 million (+4%), however, the traditional Christmas treat is becoming increasingly popular in the US (+37%) and in Austria (+31%).
Meanwhile, overall Italian food exports in 2017 are expected to surpass €40 billion, up by 6% year-on-year. According to estimates by the Nomisma Agrifood Monitor, this growth is being driven by wine, meats and cheeses.
The highest growth rates have been observed in non-EU countries, such as Russia and China, although these markets still account for less than 2% of total Italian food exports.
© 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
