May 20 – Italian olive oil exports continue to improve – especially for the U.S. market, with 133-000 tons exported (an increase of 5.3% in volume and 4% in value); Germany, where levels reached 48.000 tons of oil exported (+6, 6% in volume and 3.2% in value), and Japan, where growth in quantity amounted to +24% and +20% in value. New consumer countries also emerged, particularly China and Russia, with an increase in exports of 18% both in volume and value. “It’s a good sign – said Unaprol CEO Pietro Sandali – that underscores the dynamism of Italian companies and the high quality of their products. This data also validates responsible consumption awareness programs put forth by the European Union, Italy and Unaprol.” But a new market, overlooked by broader analyses, is Mexico – a middle income country with 115 million inhabitants, 10 million of these constitute the upper class of the country. “This is our target population – says Eugenia Mesta, trade analyst for ICE Agency in Mexico City – as they show a positive inclination towards Italian products. These are currently in second place in terms of foreign consumed products. By boosting sales among younger generations (the average age for Mexico is 27), we can improve our ranking.”
