12 August, 2015 – Italy’s food exports registered a relevant increase, especially for the US and China, where levels grew by 29%, and the EU (+9.7%). The Coldiretti analyzed ISTAT data for June, and found that since the beginning of MilanExpo 2015 the demand for Italian products has considerably grown: in the US (already at +29.3% for May) and China (+57%) but also in the EU market (+5%). Globally, Italian food exports for the first two months of Expo grew by 7% thanks to the economic recovery, the favorable exchange rate, and the positive effect of Expo. “This result is very encouraging – underlines Coldiretti – especially if we consider the 26.9% fall in sales to Russia due to the food embargo for June, which followed suit to the 36% fall in sales registered in May.” The most exported Italian food product is wine, followed by fruits and vegetables, pasta and olive oil. Two thirds of the total amount is generated by intra-EU exports, while the US remains the first non-EU market. “Food exports and tourism are probably the two sectors that benefit the most from Expo2015,” states the President of Coldiretti Roberto Moncalvo, who underlines “this is a unique chance to give consumers worldwide a glimpse of real Italian food, fighting counterfeit products by showcasing the very best of Made in Italy.” (Red)
