Italian agri-food products continue to be one of the strongest ambassadors of Made in Italy around the world. Despite an international economic environment marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and evolving trade dynamics, the sector has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth.
According to the latest analyses based on ISMEA data, Italian agri-food exports reached nearly €73 billion in 2025, setting a new all-time record and confirming an increase of approximately 5% compared to the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by wine, extra virgin olive oil, PDO cheeses, cured meats, pasta, and preserved foods—products that have represented the excellence of Italy’s culinary tradition for decades.
The main destination markets continue to confirm the strong presence of Made in Italy in the world’s most developed economies. The United States remains the leading export market with €8.6 billion, followed by Germany (€7.9 billion), France (€6.6 billion), the United Kingdom (€4.8 billion), and Switzerland (€4.4 billion). Together, these five countries account for a significant share of Italian exports, highlighting the global appreciation for Italian cuisine and authentic Italian products.
Success Also Fuels Imitation
The growing demand for Italian products has also encouraged the spread of Italian Sounding products—items that evoke Italy through their name, imagery, or packaging despite having no genuine connection to the country.
These imitations create confusion among consumers and undermine the value of authentic Italian products, damaging the entire Italian agri-food supply chain as well as the international reputation of Italian cuisine.
The Role of Italian Restaurants Abroad
Italian restaurants serve as the first point of contact between many international consumers and Italy’s culinary heritage. For this reason, they carry a significant responsibility: to deliver a genuinely Italian dining experience by using authentic ingredients and showcasing the excellence of Italy’s regional products.
Today, customers who choose an Italian restaurant abroad are looking for more than just good food. They also want the assurance that the ingredients used are genuinely Italian and that the overall dining experience truly reflects the quality and authenticity of Made in Italy.
Why ITA0039 by ASACERT Certification Makes the Difference
The ITA0039 by ASACERT certification provides a practical and reliable way to distinguish restaurants that genuinely promote Italian culinary culture.
Through a verification process based on objective criteria, ITA0039 recognizes restaurants that use authentic Italian products while meeting high standards of quality and transparency. This certification gives consumers greater confidence and, at the same time, rewards restaurateurs who invest every day in preserving the authenticity of their culinary offering.
Growth Also Means Protecting the Value of Made in Italy
The continued success of Italian agri-food exports demonstrates that consumers around the world continue to value Italian products. However, ensuring that this growth remains sustainable requires protecting the identity of Italian cuisine and providing consumers with reliable tools to recognize genuine Italian excellence.
Certifying Italian restaurants abroad means helping to safeguard the value of Made in Italy, supporting businesses across the Italian agri-food supply chain, and strengthening the reputation of a culinary tradition that remains one of Italy’s most valuable cultural assets.
