The Italian agri-food sector is set on an ambitious path, aiming to reach a milestone of €100 billion in annual exports within the next five years. Despite the ongoing complexities of global markets, including geopolitical instability and inflationary pressures, the Made in Italy label remains a powerhouse of international trade. In 2025, the industry reached a historic record of €73 billion in shipments, with food products fueling a significant 6.3% growth that bolstered national performance.
Strategic growth in global markets
According to the latest report by The European House – Ambrosetti and Teha Group, targeted government investments in promotion have successfully strengthened Italy’s position as a global leader. Italy currently ranks first in the world for pasta and tomato purée exports, while holding the second spot for wine and maintaining a dominant European position in the PDO/PGI economy, which generates over €20.7 billion in revenue.
Diversification and new frontiers
To ensure sustainable long-term growth, the industry is increasingly focused on market diversification. While traditional markets like the US, Germany, and the UK have shown signs of a consumption slowdown, new horizons are opening up. Significant opportunities are emerging in the Mercosur region, where trade agreements are expected to favor high-quality imports, and in India, where Italian food sales have surged by 19% in the first five months of the current year.
Furthermore, the removal of tariffs and the establishment of new free trade agreements, such as those with Australia and Japan, are paving the way for premium products. These deals are crucial for the future of Italian dairy, high-end wines, and olive oil, ensuring that the Mediterranean Diet staples continue to find a receptive audience in emerging and consolidated international economies.
