Record Agri-Food Export: Italian Districts Grow and Conquer International Markets
In 2024, the export of Italian agri-food districts reached a new all-time high, exceeding €28 billion and registering a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year. This is highlighted by the Monitor of Agri-Food Districts compiled by the Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo, which confirms the effectiveness of the district model as a driver of Made in Italy in the world.
The districts, which represent 42.5% of Italy’s national agri-food exports, are supported by the Agribusiness Department of Intesa Sanpaolo – part of the Banca dei Territori Division led by Stefano Barrese – which currently supports 172 supply chains involving over 8,200 strategic suppliers, 21,500 employees and an aggregated turnover exceeding €22 billion.
Among the standout supply chains this year is the olive oil sector, which saw a record growth of +40.9%. Notably, the Tuscan Olive Oil district recorded a surge of +43.5%, with an exceptional performance in Australia (+296%) and a strong presence in the United States (over 40% of total exports). Positive trends were also observed for Umbrian Olive Oil (+26.5%) and for the Oil and Pasta district of Bari (+47.6%). Good performance also came from the pasta and confectionery sector (+7.8%), with significant results from the Alba and Cuneo Confectionery (+16.5%) and the Verona Confectionery and Pasta (+12.6%).
The wine districts surpassed €6.7 billion in 2024 (+4%). The main district, Langhe, Roero and Monferrato Wines, showed a slight decline (-1.7%), while the Verona Wines performed very well (+9.2%), as did the Wines from the Florentine and Sienese Hills (+9.8%), and Prosecco from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (+7.3%). Overall, the wine sector exports nearly a quarter of its total output to the US market (23%), with peaks of 43% for Wines and Spirits from Trento, 38% for Wines from the Florentine and Sienese Hills, and 27% for Prosecco from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene.
“The new record for Italian agri-food exports – stated Massimiliano Cattozzi, Head of Agribusiness at Intesa Sanpaolo – confirms the competitive strength of our supply chains and the growing international demand for quality, identity-rich, and sustainable products. The Banca dei Territori, through the Agribusiness Department, stands by companies with concrete solutions to face global challenges: new markets, green transition, digitalization, and generational change”.
Agricultural supply chains also showed very positive trends, with Romagna fruit and vegetables (+14.9%) and South Tyrolean apples (+18.9%), while Piedmont hazelnuts slowed down (-15.2%). Meat and cured meats (+5.3%), dairy (+6.1%), coffee (+9.5%), and preserves (+3.5%) also saw growth. Only the rice sector saw a slight decline (-1.7%).
From a geographical perspective, Germany remains the top commercial partner (+6.9%), followed by France (+4.8%) and the United Kingdom (+0.4%). However, it is the US market that showed the most significant growth (+14.9%), despite the introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration in April 2025. Olive oil, wine, and dairy are the most exposed sectors, but these are high-quality products, often DOP and IGP certified, able to maintain competitiveness even in unfavorable tariff contexts.
Emerging economies remain strategic for market diversification: Poland and Romania grew by over 15%, and China resumed its growth in the fourth quarter, up by +16.9%.
The commitment of Intesa Sanpaolo’s Agribusiness Department is reflected in a widespread presence—250 operational points and around 1,100 specialists—and in concrete support tools: in 2024 alone, over €2 billion in medium- and long-term financing was granted to companies in the sector, confirming continuous support for the competitiveness of Italian agri-food in the global market.