Defying dire forecasts, four and a half years after Britain’s official exit from the EU, the value of Italian food and beverage exports to the UK has risen steadily, contrasting sharply with a collapse in EU imports from the UK. Italian PDO and PGI products have been pivotal in this trend, according to a recent report by Origin Italia and Fondazione Qualivita.
ITALIAN PDO AND PGI FOODS THRIVE IN THE UK
Agri-food has become Italy’s top export category to the UK, reaching €4.53 billion in 2023 and marking a 35% increase since 2017. The UK stands as the fourth largest market for Italian PDO and PGI food products, representing 6% of exports and featuring over 60 Made-in-Italy designations, notably cheeses (66%), meat products (16%), and balsamic vinegar (17%). These numbers highlight the strategic importance of the commercial relationship in the post-Brexit landscape.
On the brighter side of Brexit, the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has provided significant benefits for Italian producers, including zero tariffs, self-certifications, and protection for PDO and PGI products in the UK. Additionally, Italian products’ high-quality perception and strong market positioning in Britain have been advantageous.
However, challenges remain. Food price inflation, which worries over 80% of British citizens, affects large-scale distribution (price leverage, private labels) and the hospitality sector (spending capacity, staff shortages). New export barriers due to Brexit, such as increased costs and bureaucratic delays, further complicate the picture.
“Our mission is to advocate for the sector to ensure the proper protection of geographical indications, a goal we pursued during Brexit negotiations,” says Cesare Baldrighi, President of Origin Italia. “It’s also crucial to equip industry players with the tools to deepen their knowledge and operational capabilities in key markets like the UK, which remains a strategic partner for Italian PDO and PGI agri-food products.”
Mauro Rosati, Director of Origin Italia, adds, “The research underscores the resilience of our agri-food sector. Thanks in part to Italian PDO and PGI food and wine, export value to the UK has grown during these transitional years, while UK imports have dwindled. Despite the challenges of Brexit, the strong market positioning of Italian food remains a key advantage in Britain.”
