Internationally speaking, short cut pasta continues to be a key driving force, and furthermore, better understanding in certain countries, which were considered emerging markets until recently, has opened up the way for speciality products. However, in Europe, there is currently an adjustment towards demand for entry level or value products. The economic crisis has also further impacted North American consumption, resulting in a slight decrease in demand overall. The focus on price is something that has also had an effect on Pastificio Lucio Garofalo, in particular in France and Germany. The company, following positive results on the Iberian Peninsula, plans to strengthen its organisational structure and increase its export capabilities, which are now at close to 60%, through the introduction of Ebro Foods. In general, international markets have allowed Garofalo to close out another year with positive results: up 15% overall and 8% in Italy, with a consolidation of market share at 6.7% in terms of value and 4.4% in terms of sales volumes. Conversely, Pastificio Andalini, for whom exports represent 30% of turnover, will be concentrating on the Middle East and Far East markets. “We are present in five continents both in terms of the Andalini brand and private-label products”, says Stefano Venturi, sales and marketing director at Pastificio Andalini. “Our Andalini Lab division supplies the major producers of ready meals with pasta varieties designed specifically for this type of consumer product. The most popular are penne, fusilli and spaghetti, but we believe we can educate international consumers about tagliatelle, pastine and other distinct varieties. Many countries are investing in new pasta factories, but the expertise governing genuine product quality remains firmly Italian”. La Molisana is seeing growth levels in double figures in the BRICS countries, where a new “vintage” product line will soon be introduced to several retail chains. “We are also busy in Japan,” the company states, “where, in collaboration with Japanese colossus Suntory, leader of the food & beverage sector, we will soon be introducing our premium pasta product to the supermarkets.” La Molisana’s export quota stands at 50% of overall sales, with a 75% increase in volumes in 2012 and 60% in 2013. Overall, the company saw an increase in volumes last year of 13.9%.