The United States represent the largest worldwide market with 315 million consumers with a strong prevalence of young people given that 34% of the population is under 25. In 2014 the export of Italian food products to the US increased by 6.2% compared to 2013, confirming the US a third of our target market for excellent food and, conversely, placing our country in 8th place of the ranking of the main supplier countries. Important data that push the Italian government even more to focus on the United States.
The export value was 4.28 billion dollars, up 6.2% compared to 2013, representing a market share of 3.2% of the value of US imports. In 2013 Italy exported 4.03 billion dollars to the United States, confirming the trend of growth of the previous years (3.76 billion exported in 2012).
Albeit with a limited increase (+ 0.6%), the period January – March 2015 confirms the Italian trend of increased exports, driving Italy up to 7th place in the ranking of supplier countries, despite a slight decrease in market share in the period compared to the same quarter in 2014.
The forecasts estimate a growth in exports for Italian products of at least 5-7% that will double and reach a 10-12% increase thanks to the activities planned and media campaign to promote authentic Italian food.
Finally, a recent survey indicates that 50-70% of US consumers surveyed is important to the origin of certain products, for which they are willing to pay a “Premium Price” for assured and certified quality; 70-80% also stated that the “Taste” is what differentiates Italian food.
Here are our record holding products:
WINE: ITALY THE FIRST COUNTRY TO EXPORT WINE TO THE USA
In 2014, as in previous years, the wine industry was again the main segment of Italian exports to the United States.
OLIVE OIL: ITALY THE FIRST COUNTRY TO EXPORT OIL TO THE USA
Olive oil is the second largest export Italian food industry product in the United States. In 2014, Italy registered 526 million dollars in sales in the United States, equivalent to 48.16% of the market.
CHEESE: ITALY THE FIRST NATION FOR THE EXPORT OF CHEESE TO THE USA
Cheese is the third sector in order of importance for Italian food export. In 2014 American imports of Italian dairy products reached a value of $ 307 million, a slight decrease compared to 2013.
PASTA: ITALY IS THE FIRST EXPORTER OF PASTA TO THE UNITED STATES
With an edge in progressive growth compared to its main competitor, Canada. In 2014 exports amounted to $ 284 million, an increase of 15.36% compared to 2013. In terms of market share, Italy holds 34.29% of the value, followed by Canada (19.55%) and China (11.46%).
