2025 closes as an extraordinary year for Italian food worldwide. The Italian agri-food sector has confirmed its role as a driver of the national economy and as an ambassador of Made in Italy, with figures that speak for themselves: agri-food exports exceeded €70 billion, marking a historic record and strengthening the presence of our products in international markets.
In the first months of 2025, exports in the sector recorded a +5% increase compared to the previous year, with agriculture and the food and beverage industry showing strong growth. Among the most dynamic supply chains, fresh fruit and vegetables recorded a +14% increase in value, confirming the high international demand for authentic Italian products.
Despite these results, a constant challenge remains: safeguarding the authenticity of Made in Italy. The phenomenon of Italian Sounding, currently estimated at over €100 billion globally, continues to create confusion among consumers and to divert value from genuinely Italian productions.
Looking ahead to 2026, there is even more reason for optimism: Italian cuisine has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This global recognition represents an important lever to give new momentum to exports and authentic Italian dining worldwide, opening additional opportunities for restaurants, producers, and consumers.
In this context, Italian restaurants abroad play a crucial role. It is often through restaurants that international consumers come into contact with Italian gastronomic culture, forming their perception of quality, tradition, and lifestyle. For this reason, distinguishing genuine Italian food from imitations becomes essential—not only for consumers but for the entire national agri-food system.
The ITA0039 – 100% Italian Taste by Asacert certification addresses this need, providing Italian restaurants abroad with a concrete, transparent, and recognizable tool to certify the authenticity of their culinary offerings, the use of Italian ingredients, and respect for the culinary tradition of our country. This certification helps strengthen consumer trust, enhance Italian production chains, and directly support agri-food exports.
