Italy’s PDO and PGI cured meat sector remains a pillar of the country’s agri-food industry, with production value exceeding €2 billion—accounting for roughly a quarter of the market in 2023. Italy remains Europe’s leader in the segment, boasting 43 protected designation salumi, according to data presented by ISIT, the Italian association of consortia for PDO and PGI meat producers, at the Agricoltura È conference in Rome last week.
Exports of Italy’s premium cured meat surpassed €600 million in 2023, with early data from 2024 indicating sustained growth. However, concerns over potential U.S. tariffs dominated discussions at the agriculture ministry-backed event, as industry leaders warned of the risks protectionist policies pose to one of Italy’s most lucrative export markets.
Cristiano Costantino Loddo, ISIT’s director, described the U.S. as “a historic and strategic destination” for Italian cured meats, where demand for geographically protected products has risen. “Any move toward protectionism would pose a significant threat to the sector, undermining competitiveness and creating instability for exporters,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, ISIT remains confident that the U.S. will remain a key market. The association is banking on diplomatic efforts at both the Italian and EU levels to avert new trade barriers. “The aim is to ensure Italian PDO and PGI products can strengthen their foothold in the U.S.—ultimately to the benefit of American consumers, who would be the first to suffer from potential tariffs,” Loddo added.