The turnover of the Italian food sector grew by +16.5% (source: analysis of the Italian farmers association Coldiretti on Istat data, November 2021 vs November 2022) also thanks to yet another positive record for exports. In fact, the value of export sales of Italian f&b in 2021 approached €52 billion. The highest ever.
“During the Covid emergency,” says Coldiretti in an official statement “food has shown all its strategic value for Italy. The health emergency has in fact also caused a healthy turn by consumers around the world. Many prefer products that are allied to well-being, starting from the typical f&b of the Mediterranean Diet”.
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Wine is once again leading the ranking of Italian agri-food exports. In 2021 sales crossed the threshold of 7 billion euros. This is mainly thanks to the boom of Italian sparkling wines, whose exports increased by +29%.
The United States is one the main importers, coming in second place with an increase of +15% in the period considered. However, the main trade partner for Italian f&b remains Germany, whose imports increased by +7%. In third place we find France (+7%) and in fourth place the UK, where, however, sales dropped by -1% due to the difficulties linked to Brexit. Other growing markets were Russia, up 15%, and China (up 31%).