The Italian savory bakery sector has officially reached a historic milestone, with export values surpassing the €1 billion threshold. This achievement marks a significant transformation for the Italian food industry, which has successfully flipped a decade-old commercial deficit into a thriving 174,000-ton export surplus. The steady strengthening of these products in international markets—both within and outside the EU—has been the engine of this expansion.
Growth trends in 2025
Data from the first ten months of 2025 reveal a positive momentum that transcends inflationary pressures. While value increased by 8.5%, the actual volume of exported goods rose by 4.9%, indicating a genuine surge in international demand. Bread exports led the way with a 13% increase, followed closely by savory specialties such as quiches, crepes, salty cakes, and pizzette (+12.5%). Even sliced bread products have shown resilience, contributing to the overall stability of the sector.
Key export markets
Italy’s bakery prowess continues to command attention across more than 100 countries. European markets remain the primary destination, absorbing 60.5% of total export value. Germany confirms its role as the leading importer, accounting for 14% of the total, while the United States (12.6%) and the United Kingdom (9.7%) solidify their status as essential hubs for authentic Italian bakery craftsmanship. Despite rising import costs for soft wheat, the Italian bakery industry remains focused on maintaining high-quality production standards to satisfy a global audience that increasingly demands authentic Mediterranean staples.