Italy remains in first place among EU countries for the number of PDO, PGI and TSG awards received by the European Union (EU). This was communicated by Istat, according to which the quality agri-food products recognized as of 31 December 2013 are 261 (13 more than in 2012), of which 252 are active.
Among the sectors, fruit and vegetables and cereals (101 products) stand out in terms of number of awards, followed by cheeses (47), extra virgin olive oils (43) and meat preparations (37). The fresh meats and other sectors include, respectively, five and 28 specialties. Among the regions, however, those with the most PDOs and PGIs are Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, respectively with 39 and 36 recognized products.
The number of operators active in the quality agri-food sector is also growing, reaching 80.435 units, for an increase of 0,3% compared to 2012. Of these, 91,2% carry out exclusively production activities and 6,6% transformation; the remaining 2,2% carry out both activities.
The total turnover achieved in Italy and abroad by quality Italian products would exceed 13 billion euros. To reveal it, on the occasion of the publication of the Istat report, and an estimate by Coldiretti: half of the total turnover, according to the association, would however be realized by only three products, namely Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and Parma Ham.
Numbers that would be destined for further growth if they weren't held back by all those "Italian sounding" products (ie those products that recall the Italian spirit, even though they are not Italian), which have a turnover of over 60 billion euros worldwide.
