Coldiretti’s analysis of ISTAT data on foreign trade for the first six months of 2019 shows record growth, but the problem of Italian sounding remains and must be fought with all possible instruments, including certifications.
In the months analyzed, a total of 21.4 billion euros of agricultural and food goods were exported abroad.
Despite the tariffs threatened in recent months by President Trump, the boom in foreign demand for authentic Italian food is particularly evident in the United States, where + 11% is registered.
In general, Germany ranks first in the ranking of the main importers of Italian agri-food products, followed by France, USA and, surprisingly given the difficult time in Brexit, the United Kingdom.
“A trend that highlights – declares Coldiretti – the ability of the Italian food sector to intercept the new global demand of high quality and typicality that is however held back by the multiplication of imitations of national products with the phenomenon of the so-called Italian sounding that abroad is worth 100 billion euros”.
“To strengthen and protect the presence of Made in Italy on international markets it is important to find the necessary synergies between diplomatic activity abroad and the economy” according to the president of Coldiretti, Ettore Prandini, who “appreciates the hypothesis of transfer of foreign trade skills to the Farnesina ”.
“It is important to support the exports of companies – underlines Prandini – with the involvement of the Embassies, introducing in the evaluation of their activities principles linked also to the commercial results in support of the national economic system, as already happens in other countries. A change that must be supported logistically with efficient transport on the railway line and airport hubs for goods that allow us to bring our products quickly from north to south of the country and then to every corner of Europe and the world “.
The importance of implementing valid tools for the battle against Italian Sounding and food counterfeiting is increasingly evident.
In this regard ASACERT has developed “ITA0039 | 100% Italian Taste Certification “, a protocol designed to certify Italian restaurants abroad and to enhance their authenticity and commitment to protecting the culinary tradition of our country.
Source: Coldiretti
