Italy’s agri-food districts continue to deliver robust export growth, maintaining their momentum from the first quarter into the second. After posting a year-on-year increase of 6.6% in Q1, exports expanded by 6.4% in Q2, bringing total exports for the first half of 2024 to €14 billion at current values—a 6.5% rise (€857 million) compared to the same period in 2023. These figures, drawn from Intesa Sanpaolo’s Monitor as of June 30, highlight the sector’s resilience amid challenging global dynamics.
The districts outpaced the broader manufacturing sector, accounting for 44% of Italy’s total agri-food exports, which remained largely stagnant in Q2 (+0.4%). While the agri-food sector grew by 7.4% overall, the districts’ performance underscores their pivotal role in driving export momentum.
WINE: A MIXED VINTAGE FOR AGRI-FOOD DISTRICTS
Wine, representing a quarter of agri-food district exports, delivered mixed results in H1 2024. Overall, Italian wine exports edged up by just 0.7% to €3.3 billion.
- Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato Wines—the crown jewels of Italian viticulture—saw exports decline by 4.7%.
- By contrast, Veronese Wines (+6.7%) and Florentine and Sienese Wines (+3.6%) maintained modest growth.
- The standout performer was Prosecco from Conegliano–Valdobbiadene, which surged in Q2 to end H1 up by 6.1%.
PASTA AND SWEETS: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Pasta and confectionery exports continued their rapid ascent, reaching nearly €2.3 billion in H1 (+6.2% year-on-year).
- Dolci di Alba and Cuneo delivered a stellar performance, adding €150 million to the sector’s total (+21%).
- Verona’s Pasta and Sweets also shone, with exports climbing 15%.
- However, Parma Pasta stumbled, declining by 2.8% (€17 million).
AGRICULTURAL GOODS: DIVERGING TRENDS
Agricultural exports rose 2.2% in the first half, though performance varied across districts.
- South Tyrolean Apples led the pack with an impressive 22.5% increase.
- Catania Fresh Produce also performed well, growing by 12%, while Romagna Fresh Produce posted modest gains (+2.6%).
- Conversely, Piedmont Hazelnuts and Fruits suffered a sharp 21% drop.
PRESERVES: CONSISTENT GROWTH
Preserves added €88 million to their export tally in H1 (+5.8%).
- Parma Preserves surged by 16%, while Nocera Preserves grew by 5.4%.
- Neapolitan Preserves rose by 9%, but their gains were offset by declines in other segments of the district.
MEAT AND CURED MEATS: STEADY GAINS
Meat exports rose by 3.8% in H1, despite slowing to 1.5% growth in Q2.
- Modenese Cured Meats led the charge (+5.4%), followed by Parma Cured Meats (+6%), and Veronese Meats (+3.5%).
- Cremona and Mantua Meat and Cured Meats saw exports decline by 4%.
DAIRY: MODEST GROWTH WITH BRIGHT SPOTS
The Italian dairy sector advanced by 4.1% (€50 million) in H1. Parma Dairy stood out with a 38% surge, while Southeastern Lombardy Dairy (-4.4%), and Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania (-3.6%) experienced declines.
COFFEE: BREWING SUCCESS
Coffee exports grew by 10% in H1, with notable contributions from Trieste Coffee (+15.3%), Neapolitan Coffee and Confectionery (+13.8%), and Turin Coffee and Confectionery (+7.4%).
OLIVE OIL: THE STAR PERFORMER
Olive oil exports soared by 59%, adding €390 million to the sector’s total. This growth came despite elevated prices caused by climate-driven production challenges in previous years. Tuscan Olive Oil (+63%) led the charge, followed by Umbrian Olive Oil (+44%), and Bari Olive Oil and Pasta (+57%).
RICE AND SEAFOOD: MODEST RECOVERIES
Rice exports recovered in Q2 (+2.1%), pushing H1 growth to 0.6%.
- Vercelli Rice and Pavia Rice grew modestly (+0.5% and +0.7%, respectively).
- Fisheries performed strongly, with Polesine and Venetian Fisheries rising 13.7%.
EXPORT DESTINATIONS: SHIFTING DYNAMICS FOR ITALY’S AGRI-FOOD DISTRICTS
Germany remains Italy’s top trading partner for agri-food districts (+3.4%), however, exports to the United States surged by 16.2% reflecting rising demand across the Atlantic.
Other key markets include France (+3.6%) and the UK (stable at +0.5%). Emerging markets outperformed advanced ones in H1, growing by 9.9% versus 5.7%, with standout performances in Poland (+11.4%), the Czech Republic (+13.8%), and Romania (+13.4%). Exports to Russia jumped 18.9% despite a Q2 slowdown, while sales to China remained flat.