In 2024 l 'export of Italian agri-food districts ha superato for the first time i 28 billion eurosin growth of 7,1% compared to the previous year. This is revealed by the latest Agri-food districts monitor Italians, curated by ResearchDepartment di Intesa SanpaoloThis is a new historical high, which confirms the centrality of agri-food in the Italian trade balance and the competitiveness of territorial supply chains on foreign markets.
The districts considered in the report represent the 42,5% of total national agri-food exports. The result is even more significant if we consider that it is achieved in a complex year, marked by geopolitical tensions, the volatility of global agricultural markets and – towards the end of the year – the prospect of new tariffs imposed by the United States, then partially suspended in spring 2025.
Oil protagonist: boom in the USA
Il main engine of growth was the olive oil supply chain, which recorded an increase of 40,9% at current prices. In particular, the Tuscan Oil district increased foreign sales by 419 million (+43,5%), allocating over 40% of its exports to the US market. Umbria also recorded double-digit growth (+26,5%), as did the Bari Oil and Pasta supply chain (+47,6%). The peculiarity of the sector is the high exposure to the US, which alone represents a third of foreign sales, compared to an average of 12,9% for other agri-food districts.
Very good too pasta and sweets supply chain (+7,8%), in a context of cooling of production prices. The Alba and Cuneo Sweets district has achieved 304 million more than in 2023 (+16,5%), followed by the Verona district (+12,6%). The increase reflects the constant international demand for typical Italian products, perceived as synonymous with quality and tradition.
Good keeping of wine, meat and dairy products
La wine-growing supply chain closed 2024 with exports of 6,7 billion euros (+4%). Although the main district (Langhe, Roero and Monferrato) recorded a slight decline (-1,7%), other territories grew significantly: the Wines of Veronese (+9,2%), the Wines of the Florentine and Sienese hills (+9,8%), and the Prosecco of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (+7,3%). The US market is once again decisive: for some districts it represents up to 40% of exports.
Also improving is the meat and salami chain (+5,3%), with positive performances in Verona (+6,3%) and Modena (+5,2%), while Alto Adige recorded a +13,9%. dairy advances by 6,1%, driven in particular by the Parma district (+31%) and the Sardinian one, which is highly oriented towards exports to the USA (up to 72% of the total).
Agriculture and Preserves: A Multi-Speed Italy
Le agricultural exports in 2024 they grew by 4,7%, but with marked differences between territories. Fruit and vegetables from Romagna exceeded 689 million euros (+14,9%), and apples from Alto Adige gained almost 19%. In contrast, Piedmontese fruit and hazelnuts fell by 15,2%.
In the sector of conserve (+3,5%), the Nocera district remains the first in terms of exported value, with substantially stable volumes. Also thefish of Polesine and Venice recorded an interesting growth (+10,8%), confirming the liveliness of some “minor” but highly specialized sectors.
In contrast the rice sector, the only sector to decline in 2024 (-1,7%), with declines in both Pavia and Vercelli. The reasons are attributable to international competition and stagnant demand in some key markets.
US is the leading market, but emerging markets are increasingly important
- United States are confirmed in 2024 more dynamic market for Italian agri-food districts, with a growth of 14,9% on an annual basis. The positive trend has been maintained in all quarters, a sign that the surge in exports is not linked to early procurement phenomena linked to Donald Trump's return to the White House.
La Germany remains the largest trading partner in absolute value (+6,9%), followed by France (+4,8%) and the United Kingdom (substantially stable). But the most interesting contribution comes from emerging markets, which now represent the 20% of the total export of the districts: +15,3% Poland, +15,2% Romania, +9,7% China (with a strong acceleration in the fourth quarter).
The introduction of duties by the Trump administration – later partially suspended – particularly affects oil, wine and dairy products. According to Intesa's monitor, however, Italian certified quality products (DOP/IGP), often appreciated by high-spending customers, could better resist competitive pressure. The diversification strategy towards new markets remains crucial, as do investments in innovation, digitalization and sustainability.
Intesa Sanpaolo: 2 billion in disbursements to the sector
The bank has supported the agri-food sector with 2 billion euros of medium-long term financing in 2024. Through the Agribusiness Directorate, Intesa Sanpaolo supports over 80.000 customers with a network of 250 operating points, offering support on key issues such as green transition, digitalization and generational transition.
“The new export record confirms the competitive strength of our supply chains - he has declared Massimiliano Cattozzi, responsible for the Agribusiness department -. We are alongside companies to promote Made in Italy in the world and address global challenges”.
