The data for the second quarter of 2024 confirm the positive trend of Italian agri-food exports, with a growth of +7.4% compared to the same period in 2023. The agricultural sector recorded an increase of +3.4%, while the food and beverage sector marked a significant +8.1%.
The main destination markets remain unchanged: Germany (€5.2 billion), the United States (€3.8 billion), France (€3.7 billion), and the United Kingdom (€2.3 billion), followed by Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria.
The positive picture also emerges from the latest Monitor of Italian Agri-food Districts, curated by the Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo. The analyzed districts represent 44% of the total export of the sector and, in the first six months of 2024, reached a total value of over €14 billion, with an increase of +6.5% (+€857 million) compared to the first half of 2023.
Among the main reference markets for agri-food districts, Germany confirms its leadership with an increase of +3.4%, followed by the United States, where double-digit growths are recorded (+16.2%), and France (+3.6%). The United Kingdom, on the other hand, maintains stable values (+0.5%). Positive performances are also seen in emerging economies, which represent 20% of district agri-food exports, with significant results in Poland (+11.4%), the Czech Republic (+13.8%), and Romania (+13.4%).
As for the main supply chains, the wine sector, which represents about a quarter of district agri-food exports, closes the semester with €3.3 billion, recording a slight growth of +0.7%. More dynamic results are observed in the pasta and sweets sector (+6.2%, for a total of almost €2.3 billion) and in preserves (+5.8%, with an increase of €88 million).
The meat (+3.8%) and dairy (+4.1%) sectors also continue to grow, but the greatest contribution comes from the oil sector, which records an increase of +59%, equal to €390 million more. Of these, €293 million come from the Tuscan Oil district.
Commenting on these results, Massimiliano Cattozzi, head of the Agribusiness Department of Intesa Sanpaolo, stated: "2024 confirms the strategic role of the agri-food sector in enhancing Italian excellences in foreign markets, thanks to a highly appreciated and sought-after quality. Excellences that need support and protection, for which Intesa Sanpaolo has responded by allocating €15 billion to the agri-food sector through the plan 'Your future is our business' and the Agribusiness Program. A set of solutions designed to support the sustainable development and innovation of companies, particularly for those in the wine sector, essential to strengthen their international competitiveness."