As the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 kicks off in New York, the resilience of the “Made in Italy” brand takes center stage. Despite facing undeniable economic headwinds—chiefly unfavorable euro-dollar exchange rates and persistent tariff pressures—Italian exports to the United States continue to demonstrate remarkable growth.
While the consumer-heavy agri-food sector has experienced a temporary slowdown, experts urge caution before drawing negative conclusions, pointing to standard inventory adjustments and sell-in/sell-out cycles. To maintain momentum, the focus is now shifting toward premium storytelling. By leveraging UNESCO’s recent recognition of Italian cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage, producers aim to inject tangible commercial value into their goods. Watch the full interview with the Italian Trade Agency President, Matteo Zoppas, to discover how Italian businesses are turning cultural prestige into economic fortitude on the global stage: