In 2025, Italy’s specialized agri-food districts marked a new record on international markets, generating nearly 30 billion euros in total exports—a 4.1% increase compared to 2024. According to the latest districts Monitor by the Intesa Sanpaolo Research Department, this resilient performance confirms the vital role of these production hubs, which now account for 42% of total Italian food and beverage exports.
Growth Drivers and Sector Performance
The agricultural supply chain led the surge, with the Ortofrutta romagnola district alone reaching 927 million euros (+17.4%). Other standout performers included the South Tyrolean apples (+14.6%) and the Piedmontese hazelnut sector (+28%). Following closely, the dairy industry saw significant growth (+13.5%), despite minor setbacks for Sardinian Pecorino Romano due to new US tariffs introduced by the Trump administration in August 2025.
Coffee, Pasta, and Confectionery Gains
The coffee sector experienced a robust 20.2% increase, bolstered by strong performance from the Turin-based coffee, confectionery, and chocolate district. Simultaneously, the pasta and sweets category recorded an additional 318 million euros in exports (+6.1%), with Dolci di Alba e Cuneo thriving despite mixed results in North American markets.
Navigating Global Trade Challenges
While the overall outlook is positive, Italian exporters are adapting to shifting geopolitical dynamics. Germany remains the primary partner, followed by the US, which saw a 7.1% decline in 2025 due to a sharp slowdown in the third quarter and the introduction of punitive duties. To mitigate such risks, producers are increasingly diversifying into emerging markets like Poland, Romania, and Russia. Furthermore, as the olive oil industry faces significant production fluctuations and price cooling, manufacturers are leaning on strategic market shifts to maintain their global standing.