Exporting agribusiness is proving to be an increasingly appealing opportunity for Italian businesses. Data from 2023 reveals that Italian agri-food exports reached a new record, surpassing 62 billion euros. This milestone represents one of the best performances among the world's major exporters, with a 6% increase. Only Germany posted slightly higher growth, with an increase of 6.21% quarter-on-quarter, while France, China, and the United States ended the year with negative results.
The growth in Italian exports was driven primarily by European Union markets (+91% YoY), with significant contributions also coming from Central and South America (+91% YoY).
Several industry trade shows have recently taken place, confirming this positive trend. What new opportunities have emerged from these events?
Italian agri-food exports continue to grow, driven by several key factors.
The prestige of the Made in Italy plays an undeniable role, attracting global consumers thanks to its reputation for high quality and authenticity. Furthermore, the increasing use of organic products responds to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable foods, further strengthening Italy's position in international markets.
And two of the most relevant international trade fairs for this market demonstrate this well.
Great news for Italian agri-food exports to the Middle East comes from the Italian Pavilion, inaugurated in Gulfood 2024, the leading exhibition of the F&B industry in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the region. Gulfood has become a strategic event for Italian companies, with the participation of as many as 200 Italian businesses.
During the event, the latest data on exports of Italian food and beverages to the UAE were released, highlighting the sector’s significant potential in that country. In November 2023, Italy exported agri-food products worth over 412 million euros, recording an 8.41% year-over-year increase, higher than that of Italian exports as a whole.
A special mention goes to the program “Italian Food Lab“This project aims to educate the local and international market about the organoleptic and health-related peculiarities of Italian products, countering the phenomenon of "Italian Sounding.".
The Italian Food Lab will also offer the opportunity to support the candidacy of Italian Cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognizing the value and uniqueness of the country's culinary tradition, and strengthening its position as a world leader in the agri-food sector.
During Cibus 2024, the flagship exhibition for the agribusiness sector held at Fiere di Parma from May 7 to 10, significant data were presented showing that between 2013 and 2023, the industry went through a decade of remarkable development. The growth of the italian exports In the sector, the total value reached nearly $64 billion, accounting for approximately 10.1% of European exports.
One of the main themes of this edition was the importance of DOP and IGP products as indicators of quality that encourage consumption. DOP and IGP labeling on packaging not only increases general purchasing propensity but also drives buyers to prefer higher-priced products.
An innovation that emerged during the event was the use of artificial intelligence to combat food counterfeiting. For example, the Nina project, promoted by the Consortium of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, aims to protect this Italian agri-food excellence from imitations and to combat the Italian sounding phenomenon.
Sustainability was another key theme of the fair. Sustainable packaging was identified as crucial, with two out of three Italians considering it decisive in their purchasing choices and one out of two seeing it as fundamental to making a product more environmentally friendly.
Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, reiterated this concept also in reference to foreign markets, stating that “Trends like organic, driven by Gen Z and millennials, continue to grow overseas.”
This is an important element for companies that want to export agribusiness And stand out from competitors.
Particular attention has been paid to American market, valued at $1.5 trillion considering retail and alcohol, making it ten times larger than the European one.
During the conference USA4 Cibus, _, developed in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy, discussed opportunities for Italian companies to invest in the United States, especially in the era of the Inflation Reduction Act. This program offers substantial tax credits for clean energy projects, also involving the agri-food sector. Furthermore, the program SelectUSA will further facilitate investment in the country by foreign companies.
Caroline Chung, Principal Commercial Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Milan, pointed out that. “No other food influences culture in America and the world like Italian food. The Italian food industry is globally successful thanks to the quality of its products and the reputation it has earned.”
What are the most promising destination countries for companies dealing with export agribusiness, beyond the United States?
La Germany, historically Italy’s main trading partner in various sectors, remains the preferred destination for agri-food exports as well. In 2023, sales in Germany exceeded 10 billion euros, recording a 7.31% increase over the past five years. The highest demand comes from the beverage, pasta, and baked goods sectors.
La France It is another major market, accounting for 11.1% of total Italian agri-food exports and recording 8.71% growth over the past five years. French consumers primarily demand pasta, baked goods, milk, and dairy products.
Beyond European markets, new opportunities are emerging in countries with growing economies.
L’India, which has seen Italian exports grow by 9.31% quarter-on-quarter, is the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables. It offers significant opportunities in the sectors of agricultural machinery and food preservation and processing. In fact, approximately 40% of India’s agricultural production spoils before reaching consumers due to inefficiencies in preservation technologies. This creates an opportunity for innovation and the efficiency of Italian technologies.
The Vietnam It projects annual growth in agri-food imports from Italy of 10.21% through 2028, offering significant new export opportunities for Italian companies interested in expanding their presence in this particularly dynamic market.
Also the South Korea shows promising growth prospects, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.41% through 2028, thereby offering further opportunities for expansion for Italian companies in the agri-food sector.
Octagona offers internationalization strategies for Italian companies, supporting them also in the agri-food export process. Our professionals help companies identify the most promising markets, adapt products to local regulations, and develop effective commercial networks. Contact us for more information.
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