Encouraging indicators of revival and stabilization mark the current state of affairs in the Bresaola della Valtellina PGI sector. Following a challenging 2023, the industry appears poised for a favorable turnaround. Production of the renowned cured meat from Lombardy surged by +9.44% during the initial two months of 2024 compared to the corresponding period last year.
Despite a slight dip of -3.45% from 2022, total production stood at just under 11,900 tonnes in the previous year. Utilizing slightly over 33,256 tonnes of meticulously selected raw materials (-4.34%), the sector maintained its commitment to quality sourcing.
EXPORT STRATEGIES
Constituting 5.09% of the production share, exports commanded a total value of 3.3 million euros (-1.71%). A substantial portion, amounting to 73% of the total, totaling 603 tonnes of Bresaola della Valtellina PGI, found its way to EU markets including Belgium, France, Germany, and others. Notably, non-EU destinations such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong witnessed a marked uptick, receiving the remaining 27% of exports, signaling a commendable increase of +10.7% compared to 2023. This surge predominantly resonates within Islamic countries, given Bresaola’s origin from bovine sources.
Mario Francesco Moro, President of the Bresaola della Valtellina PGI Protection Consortium, remarked, “The latter half of 2023 witnessed a gradual resurgence in consumer demand, a trend that is now manifesting as sustained positive momentum in 2024 following a period of downturn.” Moro emphasized consumers’ affection for the product, revered for its nutritional virtues and emblematic of Italy’s culinary tradition. In light of the revised EU regulations governing Geographical Indications, Moro affirmed the Consortium’s dedication to bolstering the standing of certified producers within the value chain, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent market while combating fraudulent practices and unauthorized use of the designation.