The Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP sector has distinguished it self over the past year for positive results in foreign sales figures. Exports of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP have, in fact, recorded a remarkable increase of +30.2% in 2022 compared to the previous year.* Despite challenges related to rising inflation and the situation in Ukraine, Mozzarella di Bufala continues to dominate the markets.
This result is part of a general context of positive growth for Italian agri-food districts, with exports increasing by +12.8 percent year on year, reaching a total value of more than 25 billion euros.
According to the Association of Italian Dairy Industries (Assolatte), the market for fresh cheeses, including mozzarella, burrate, mascarpone and others, has performed well, with sales rates close to double digits. Two authentic symbols of Made in Italy, Grana Padano PDO and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, also confirmed their solid performance in exports, with sales up +3% for whole wheels and +10% for grated.
About 80% of Italian cheese exports have Europe as their destination. France stands out as the main outlet market, having imported as much as 130,000 tons of Italian cheese in 2022, also registering a remarkable growth rate of +11.5 percent. Germany remains firmly in second place, while sales in the United Kingdom increased by +4 percent in volume despite Brexit. A very positive figure came from Spain, where imports rose from 28,400 to 33,500 tons. Similar growth rates were also recorded in China and Canada. In particular, the latter, thanks to the CETA agreement, achieved a record import volume of 8,200 tons.
Thus, Made in Italy products remain strong in the foreign market, proving their quality, uniqueness and safety.
However, while the results demonstrate the strength of Made in Italy in the world, they also come up against the reality of counterfeiting, which steals more than 120 billion euros a year from the Italian economy. “The latest surveys highlight how Italian products remain among the most appreciated worldwide. – said Fabrizio Capaccioli, ASACERT CEO and creator of the ITA0039 | 100% Italian Taste Certification protocol – At this time, more than ever, it is important to focus everything on the safety and certification of 100% Made in Italy products. “We cannot allow ourselves to be deprived of this foundation of our economy, which is at the same time, matrix of our traditions and a culture of healthy eating, which the whole world envies us. A relentless action that we live as a mission to enhance the Italian agrifood heritage in the world. To do this,” Capaccioli concludes, “a fundamental piece is represented by the certification of 100% Italian products and restaurants to effectively combat the phenomenon of Italian Sounding.
*Data from the District Observatory, an analysis conducted by Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo.
