Italian food products are carving out a growing presence on tables worldwide, with export numbers reflecting a robust demand. In the first seven months of 2024, Italian food industry exports rose by 9.3%. If the current pace holds through December, Italy’s food export sector could reach a record high by year’s end, according to Federalimentare, the trade association for Italian food industries.
Italian wines led the export surge from January to July, raking in 5 billion euros. Confectionery products followed close behind at 4.3 billion, trailed by dairy products at 3.4 billion and olive oil at 2.6 billion. Pasta and processed vegetables, with 2.5 billion euros in exports rounded out the top Italian food exports.
Federalimentare’s research arm notes that Italy’s food exports hit 52.2 billion euros in 2023, marking a twofold increase over the past decade. This momentum looks set to continue, with projected exports of 57 billion euros by the close of 2024, underscoring the sector’s vital role in Italy’s economy.
Should these forecasts hold, and with an additional 11 billion euros anticipated from Italy’s primary agricultural sector, the country’s agri-food exports could top 68 billion euros by year-end. Key markets are driving this surge: the United States, with 4.4 billion euros in imports over the first seven months of 2024, saw a remarkable 19.7% year-on-year increase, representing 13.5% of Italy’s total foreign market. Yet Germany remains Italy’s top export destination, with 4.6 billion euros in sales (up 5.3% from 2023), capturing 14.2% of the export market. Exports to Spain, the UK, and France also posted gains, rising by 9.2%, 7%, and 4%, respectively.