The Italian agri-food sector confirms itself as one of the pillars of the national economy, recording very positive performances in the first eleven months of 2025. Agri-food exports are close to 67 billion euros, marking an increase in 5% compared to the same period of the previous year, while the export overall national growth 3,1%ISMEA data also show positive signs in agricultural added value, with a 0,6% increase in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024, and in food industry production, which grew by 4,5% in the first nine months of 2025.
Overall, the trend in trade flows suggests that the end of the year will be stable. export around the 73 billion euros, marking a new all-time record for Made in Italy agri-food products. This result is particularly significant in an international context still characterized by uncertainties linked to geopolitical tensions and protectionist trade policies.
The driving products of Italian exports
Among the sectors that have contributed most to the growth of exports are those of excellent products of the Italian tradition. coffee roasted, the products of the bakery and pastry shop industrial, the DOP and IGP cheeses, hams and the sausages, and the fresh fruit They represent the most dynamic categories on international markets. These products express the distinctive value of Made in Italy, founded on the quality of raw materials, product diversity, and respect for local traditions.
La competitiveness The Italian agri-food sector relies on businesses’ ability to innovate while preserving authenticity, combined with public interventions to support the sector. Since taking office, the Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry led by Francesco Lollobrigida, has made over €15 billion in investments available for the primary sector, mobilizing unprecedented national resources.
Growth in agricultural added value and employment
In the third quarter of 2025, Italian GDP grew by 0,1% on the previous quarter and by 0,6% on an annual basis, while agricultural added value records an increase of 0,8% compared to the second quarter and of 0,6% compared to the same period in 2024. The employment data is particularly significant: agricultural workers They grew by 1% in the second quarter of 2025 and by 1,5% in the third quarter of 2024, highlighting a positive trend for a strategic sector that often suffers from difficulties in generational turnover.
A decisive contribution to this dynamic came from wine sector, whose production in the 2025/2026 campaign is estimated at around 47 million hectoliters, with an increase of 8% which gives Italy the world record in volume. Positive results are also recorded for the harvest of industrial tomato, increased by 11% compared to 2024, and for the summer fruit, with peach and nectarine production growing by 0,5% compared to the previous year.
Food industry speeds up production
In the wake of the primary phase, the production rates of thefood industryThe sector’s industrial production index gained 3% compared to the second quarter of 2025 and the 4,5% compared to the same quarter of 2024. In the first nine months of 2025, the domestic food consumption they accelerate of the 4%, confirming the recovery in volumes for many products in the shopping cart.
Among the most dynamic sectors are the eggs with an increase of 6,7%, the bread grew by 3,1%, the fresh vegetables increased by 2,9%, the tomato puree up 2%, the fresh cheeses with a plus 3,9%, the yogurt rose by 4,9%, the poultry meats increased by 2% and sparkling wines which recorded a brilliant +5,8%. These data demonstrate a return to normal consumption after the contractions linked to the inflationary increases of previous years.
Italian cuisine and UNESCO recognition
It is precisely the Mediterranean diet, based on quality raw materials, seasonality, and product variety, that has strengthened the competitiveness of Italian supply chains and the attractiveness of Made in Italy products on global markets over time. This is the context in which the recent recognition UNESCO of the ‘Italian cooking, between sustainability and bio-cultural diversity’, registered in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This achievement enhances artisanal knowledge, suitable territories and culinary traditions handed down over the centuries, further supporting the image of theItalian agri-food on international markets. This recognition represents a strategic asset for the promotion of Made in Italy products, strengthening the inextricable link between food quality, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity that characterizes the national gastronomic identity.
Trends by sector
Cereals
The 2025 cereal campaign records contrasting results for the various crops. Italian durum wheat Production reached approximately 3,6 million tons, up 3,4% thanks to higher yields and more favorable weather conditions, with an overall good quality profile. Durum wheat prices showed some volatility, rising from €290,92 per ton in July 2025 to €271,50 in September, before rising again to €274,90 in December.
Il soft wheat Italian stands at around 2,5 million tonnes, recording a slight decrease compared to 2024. Prices have remained relatively stable, fluctuating from 247,61 euros per tonne in July to 245,42 euros in October, up to 246,79 euros in December 2025.
Il Italian corn However, it shows significant growth, with the cultivated area increasing to approximately 541 hectares, a 9,2% increase. Yields reached 10,2 tonnes per hectare, a 2,5% increase, bringing total production to 5,5 million tonnes, an 11,9% increase. This is news of great strategic importance for the livestock supply chains (dairy and pork). The price in September 2025 stood at €238,56 per tonne, a 6,1% increase compared to September 2024, when it was €224,88 per tonne.
WINE
The 2025/2026 global wine production campaign is estimated at 232 million hectoliters, up 3% compared to the previous season.Italy confirms world leader with a production of 47 million hectoliters, marking a significant increase in the8%Stocks as of July 2025 amount to 40,6 million hectoliters, of which 38,2 million are wine, substantially stable compared to the level of July 2024.
The segment of the sparkling, with domestic consumption of sparkling wines growing by 5,8% in volume and 5% in value in the first nine months of 2025. This trend confirms the growing appreciation of Italian consumers for quality sparkling wines, driven by the denominations Prosecco, Franciacorta and Trento DOC.
Extra virgin olive oil
The 2025/26 olive oil year is characterised by an average plant load, with a growing production compared to the previous campaign, thanks above all to the contribution of the southern regions. Consequently, the average price lists of theItalian extra virgin olive oil have fallen on average just below 8 € per kilogram, remaining at still high but more accessible levels than the peaks of previous seasons.
On the front of export, in the first nine months of 2025 exports of Italian extra virgin olive oil reached 303 thousand tons, recording a notable increase of 17%This result confirms the international appreciation for the superior quality of Italian EVOO, particularly in demand in the North American and Asian markets.
Fruit and Vegetables
The sector offruit and vegetables confirms its vocation to exportIn the first eight months of 2025, exports increased by 3,9% in quantity and by 6,3% in value, with a positive trade balance of 1.739 million euros. This result is mainly generated by the product component transformed, which contributes 1.680 million euros, while fresh products contributed 59 million euros.
Industrial processing therefore represents the segment with the highest added value of the Italian fruit and vegetable supply chain, with the canned tomatoes, fruit juices and herbal preparations that conquer international markets.
Beef
The sector of Italian beef highlights a trend that is counter to the European context. In Italy, in the first nine months of 2025, the production increases by 1,2%, while in the European Union there was a 4% decrease in the first eight months of the year. prices they recorded increases significant across all market segments.
Cattle sales increased by up to 45% year-over-year, with bullocks up 25% compared to the third quarter of 2024, calves up 15%, and cows up 43%. These increases reflect the tight European supply and strong domestic and foreign demand for quality Italian beef.
Poultry meat
Il poultry sector confirms its role as leader in the meat market in Italy. In the first nine months of 2025, the production grows by 4,3%, while the export The price of live chicken increased by 2,3%, with a positive trade balance of over 70 tons. Live chicken prices showed a favorable trend for producers, rising from €1,58 per kilogram at the end of September, a 17% increase compared to September 2024, to €1,60 per kilogram in November, a 7% increase.
In the first nine months of 2025, poultry accounted for 44% of total meat purchases by Italian families, with volumes up 3% and value up 9,7%. This data confirms consumers’ growing preference for more accessible and versatile animal proteins in the kitchen.
Pork and cured meats
La salumeria italiana continues to conquer foreign markets. In the period January-August 2025, cured meat exports increased by 5,7% in both volume and value, confirming the international appeal of traditional Italian products. Exports are growing. exports di hams boneless, increased by 1,8% in volume and 3,7% in value, of sausages, up 5,3% in volume and 6,9% in value, and cooked hams, increased by 8,7% in volume and 5,2% in value.
On the domestic market, there has been a slight recovery in domestic consumption of cured meats, which grew by 0,7% in volume in the first nine months of 2025, signaling a recovery in demand after the contraction of previous years.
Dairy products
The European dairy sector records a production of cow’s milk slightly increasing in the first nine months of 2025, up 0,5%. In September, the European average price stood at €53,4 per 100 kilograms. In Italy, cow’s milk production grew by 0,3% in the first nine months of 2025, while in October 2025, the farmgate price reached €57,3 per 100 liters, confirming the premium price of Italian milk destined for PDO production.
Between January and August 2025, theexport of Italian cheeses record asoaring of the 14,9% in value and 5,6% in volume. The performance of Grana Padano e Parmigiano Reggiano, with a 2,2% increase in volume and 20,4% in value. Parmigiano Reggiano continues to enjoy a very positive trend, with prices continuing to rise and double-digit increases, supported by strong international demand and the Consortium’s promotion strategies.
Sheep and goat
The sheep and goat sector shows signs of stability and growth. Pecorino Romano PDO It maintains prices at 12,5 euros per kilogram in the period from January to September 2025, while pecorino cheese exports recorded a 1,7% increase in volume in the first eight months of 2025. Sheep’s milk in the Sardinian area stood at around 160 euros per 100 liters, VAT included, in the third quarter of 2025.
In terms of sheep meatIn September, prices reached €5,04 per kilogram for light lambs weighing 8-12 kg and €4,81 per kilogram for heavy lambs weighing 12-20 kg, up 14% and 19%, respectively. Slaughterings increased by 4%, highlighting sustained demand for Italian sheep meat, which is particularly popular during the holiday season.
Conclusions
ISMEA data for the third quarter of 2025 confirm the solidity and competitiveness of the Italian agri-food sector on global markets. projection towards 73 billion euros of exports At the end of the year, this represents a historic milestone, the result of product quality, entrepreneurial savvy, and public investment in the sector. UNESCO’s recognition of Italian cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity further strengthens the strategic positioning of Made in Italy food, highlighting the inseparable bond between tradition, territory, and sustainability that characterizes the national gastronomic identity.
References
A professional journalist since January 1995, she has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic studies on food and has published the book “Reading labels to know what we eat”.
Dining and Cooking