For Australian retailers, wholesalers and importers, Italian food has long been a reliable category. But the reasons consumers are filling their baskets with Italian products are evolving. While familiar staples such as pasta, olive oil and cheese continue to perform strongly, today’s shoppers are increasingly looking beyond the product itself to its provenance, production methods and authenticity.
That shift is creating fresh opportunities for businesses able to source genuine Made in Italy products, according to Simona Bernardini, Trade Commissioner and Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Sydney.
The numbers suggest the opportunity continues to grow.
According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Trade Data Monitor, Australia imported $1.47 billion of Italian food and beverage products in 2025, accounting for 5.5 per cent of overall imports in the category and placing Italy as Australia’s fourth-largest supplier.
Bernardini says Italian products continue to perform strongly across processed tomatoes, pasta, cheese, olive oil, sauces, wine and premium bakery products, reflecting what she describes as “the growing appreciation among Australian consumers for authentic, high-quality food with a strong connection to its origin”.
Looking ahead, Bernardini believes the recently concluded Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement will further strengthen bilateral trade by reducing barriers for exporters while creating greater opportunities for Australian buyers.
Australian consumers’ appetite for Italian foods extends well beyond nostalgia.
“Italian food has been part of Australian culture for generations,” Bernardini says. “Beyond this cultural connection, Australians increasingly value products with a genuine story, regional identity and recognised production standards.”
Travel has also played a role: “Australians’ increasing travel to Italy has also strengthened consumers’ familiarity with authentic Italian cuisine, encouraging them to seek the same quality and flavours once they return home.”
A strategic export market
For Italian producers, Australia has become an important gateway market for long-term growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Australia represents a strategic market for Italian food and beverage companies seeking to strengthen their presence in the Asia-Pacific region,” Bernardini says. “The country offers a stable economic environment, a sophisticated retail sector and consumers with a growing appreciation for authentic, high-quality imported food products.”
The strongest opportunities continue to span established categories including cheese, olive oil, pasta, processed tomatoes, sauces and premium bakery products, while demand is also increasing within foodservice as restaurants seek authentic ingredients to satisfy increasingly discerning diners.
“For Italian companies, Australia therefore represents not only an established export destination, but also a market with strong long-term growth potential, supported by increasing consumer interest, a favourable business environment and expanding opportunities for strategic commercial partnerships.”
Premium credentials matter
The growing consumer appreciation of premium, sustainable and traceable food plays directly into Italy’s strengths.
“Consumers are paying greater attention to where products come from, how they are produced and the values associated with the brands they purchase.”
She says sustainability has become equally influential in purchasing decisions. Quality certification is also becoming an increasingly important point of differentiation.
“European quality schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) provide consumers with strong guarantees of authenticity, traceability and production standards. These certifications are increasingly valued by Australian consumers seeking genuine and premium food experiences.”
Authenticity as a competitive advantage
For retailers and importers, that growing focus on provenance has elevated the importance of geographical indications as consumers become more discerning about what they buy.
“Italy boasts one of the world’s largest systems of geographical indications, with 891 recognised food and wine products, including 584 Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) products, together with 307 protected wines. This reflects the extraordinary diversity, heritage and quality of Italy’s agri-food sector.”
Bernardini says these European quality schemes protect not only products but also the traditions and expertise behind them.
“The European quality schemes, such as Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed, are designed to protect authentic products, traditional production methods and the link between food, territory and know-how.”
They apply across categories including cheese, cured meats, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, bakery products, fresh produce, pasta products and wines.
“For example, products such as Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, Pecorino Romano PDO, Prosciutto di Parma PDO, Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI and Prosecco DOC are not only high-quality products, but also expressions of specific territories, traditions and production standards.”
Building resilient supply chains
While demand continues to grow, global supply chains remain under pressure from geopolitical uncertainty and higher freight costs. Bernardini says Italian exporters have responded by becoming more agile and collaborative.
“Italian food and beverage exporters have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability throughout this period. Many companies have strengthened their logistics planning, diversified transportation routes, increased collaboration with international partners and invested in more efficient supply chain management practices.”
Despite the distance between the two countries, she notes that decades-long trading relationships have helped maintain continuity of supply.
“The strong and longstanding commercial relationships between Italian producers, Australian importers and distributors have played a crucial role in maintaining continuity of supply, even during periods of global disruption.”
Supporting long-term partnerships
For Italian businesses entering Australia, demand for premium imported food continues to rise, yet success depends on understanding Australia’s regulatory environment and building the right local partnerships.
Bernardini cautions that companies must be well prepared before entering the market.
“They must take into account biosecurity requirements, labelling regulations, logistics costs, pricing strategies and the importance of identifying the right importer or distributor.”
This is where the Italian Trade Agency’s Sydney office plays an important role. “Through our Sydney office, we provide market information, sector insights, guidance on local requirements, identification of potential business partners and promotional opportunities.”
Bernardini says trade exhibitions remain one of the most effective ways to connect Italian producers with Australian retailers, importers, distributors and foodservice operators.
“Trade shows such as Fine Food Australia are particularly important in this context, as they allow Italian companies to present their products directly to Australian buyers, distributors, retailers and food service operators. Our role is to create the right conditions for these encounters to become concrete business opportunities.”
The Italian National Pavilion forms the centrepiece of that effort.
“The Italian National Pavilion represents much more than a collective exhibition space. It is a strategic platform designed to promote the excellence, diversity and innovation of the Italian food and beverage sector while strengthening commercial and institutional relationships between Italy and Australia.”
Organised by the Italian Trade Agency’s Sydney office, the Pavilion will bring together 23 Italian companies, providing Australian buyers with access to both internationally recognised brands and smaller regional producers.
For Bernardini, the Pavilion’s significance extends well beyond the exhibition floor.
“Our objective is to strengthen the presence of authentic Made in Italy products in Australia and support Italian companies in building sustainable, long-term commercial relationships in this market.”
“The Italian National Pavilion represents not only a showcase of Italian excellence but also a tangible expression of the strong and growing partnership between Italy and Australia in the food and beverage sector.”
Dining and Cooking