The Italian food & beverage sector is once again one of the strongest in Italy, registering yet another record for exports. In 2018 it was possible to improve the result of the previous year with a + 1.8%, reaching the value of 41.8 billion for the first time.
It has released these data and to trace the budget of 2018 just ended is the Coldiretti that has had the opportunity to analyze the statistics provided by Istat.
The export of almost two thirds makes very short trips to destinations in the European Union countries, a sign that our "neighbors" always continue to appreciate our productions in the food sector. The main country to import our products is Germany, while going beyond the EU borders in first position among Italian food & beverage lovers we find the United States.
The products of the Mediterranean diet, owners of exports
Pushing on the accelerator of growth were the products of the Mediterranean diet with wine in particular that marked, compared to the previous year, a + 3%, making it once again the most exported Italian product. But the real stars of 2018 were the bubbles, in fact the sparkling wines compared to 365 days before show a + 13% with a market value of 1.5 billion euros.
The other sectors that have driven Italy are those of fresh fruit and vegetables but the good results of cold cuts and cheeses must also be reported. Pasta is also positive with an increase of 2%.
The president of Coldiretti Ettore Prandini commented on this data: "The trend on international markets could further improve with more effective protection against international agro-piracy and counterfeiting, which invoices over 100 billion euros by improperly using words, colors, locations, images, denominations and recipes that refer to Italy for fake products. It is necessary to overcome the current fragmentation and dispersion of resources for the promotion of the true Made in Italy abroad, aiming at a single agency that accompanies companies around the world on the model of the French Sopexa».
Daniele Toni