Italian agro-food industry outpaces France

The Italian agro-food industry is growing faster than France's gastronomy sector, according to recent reports. Italian exporters have become the largest group at the International Food Fair near Paris, surpassing French exhibitors. This trend has been ongoing, with Italy's agro-food exports reaching 70.9 billion euros in 2025, a 5% increase from the previous year.

France's agro-food growth lags behind

France's agro-food exports in 2025 totaled 84 billion euros, a 2% increase from the prior year. Despite this growth, Italy's market share in the sector reached 3.54%, making it the eighth largest exporter globally, while France remained in fifth place.

Italy's success attributed to multiple factors

Luigi Ferrelli, director of the Paris office of the Italian Trade Agency (Ita), credits Italy's success to its growing manufacturing exports and interdependent sectors like tourism and catering. Italy has developed eno-gastronomic routes to showcase its diverse terroirs, which has increased demand for its products abroad.

Public support and product quality drive growth

The Italian government has increased financial support for companies operating abroad, with the Ita's budget for promotional activities expected to rise by a third in 2026. Ferrelli emphasizes the role of Italian producers in this success, noting their ability to recover ancient know-how and update their offerings. Italian cheeses like burrata, gorgonzola, and taleggio are among the most exported products to France, with annual exports reaching one billion euros.

Growth faces challenges in 2026

Despite the overall growth, the value of Italian agro-food exports has stagnated or slightly decreased between January and May 2026, partly due to a 12% decline in the United States. However, the government's goal of increasing exports from 640 to 700 billion euros across all sectors between 2025 and 2027 remains in place.

Expanding into new markets

Ferrelli highlights the importance of targeting both mature markets like France and Germany, and emerging markets such as China, India, Southeast Asia, Canada, and Mercosur, where growth margins are higher. International competition is fierce, with traditional competitors like France, the United States, the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, and Spain, as well as emerging competitors such as India and Turkey.

Participation in global events is key

Participation in events like Sial and Wine Paris is crucial for Italian companies to connect with potential partners and customers globally. Prosecco has already surpassed champagne in mass distribution due to the Spritz phenomenon, and the goal is to popularize other Italian wines on a larger scale. In February, 200 companies will be present under the Ita banner, a 60% increase compared to 2025.