The Italian agri-food sector is navigating the 2026 landscape with a strategy focused on stabilization and international resilience. Despite a cautious domestic consumption climate and a moderate overall economic expansion, the strength of exports of the Made in Italy label remains the primary growth driver for the industry. According to the Nomisma research firm, strategic foresight is helping the sector maintain its competitive edge in global markets.
Dairy excellence leads the way
The dairy sector continues to stand out for its strong international vocation. In the first quarter of 2026, the sector’s exports reached 1.55 billion euros, with PDO cheeses accounting for nearly 90% of total sales. Production volumes for iconic products remain robust, with Parmigiano Reggiano PDO output rising by 5.2% and Grana Padano PDO by 2.1%. While farm-gate milk prices have decreased, contributing to a slight easing of production costs, the focus remains on leveraging these premium denominations as key value drivers in foreign territories.
Meat and dry goods performance
The meat industry shows differentiated dynamics, with the pork sector remaining a vital asset for international trade. High-quality cured meats, particularly Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Prosciutto San Daniele PDO, underpin the sector’s positive trade balance. Meanwhile, the poultry segment has recorded a significant 24.6% increase in exports, signaling growing competitiveness. In the dry goods segment, pasta and bakery products continue to support the trade balance, remaining key pillars of Italy’s culinary reputation abroad, despite a slight softening in cereal-based demand compared to the previous year.
The outlook for fresh produce
The fruit and vegetable sector demonstrates strong resilience. While vegetable exports have reached 1.85 billion euros, the fruit industry has registered a notable 9% increase in export activity. As the industry faces ongoing commodity market pressures, the ability to maintain market share through innovation and quality assurance remains a top priority for Italian exporters aiming to sustain their growth momentum throughout the remainder of 2026.