Abstract:
The Italian agro-food sector export potential was demonstrated by the study released by Unioncamere in 2015. Between 2004 and 2014 the volume of Italian agro-food exports grew by 83.8%, almost twice the rate of all of Italy’s exports, reaching the value of €34.3 billion. This fact prompted both the governmental and the economic sectors to cooperate in finding the best way to increase this value in the future, which led to the launch of the Extraordinary Plan for Made in Italy.
Quality, biodiversity, creativity and safety are the key features embedded in Italian products. However, an overall analysis of the agro-food industry and of Italian economy as a whole points out some negative aspects that hinder export development. Bureaucracy and legal uncertainty are large contributors, as well as the lack of an international distribution network. The fragmentation of Italian companies and their incapacity to exploit the marketing and sales opportunities offered by digital devices is a substantial detriment. Altogether, these factors prevent Italian producers from addressing Italian interests properly.
An effective solution to these problems must include consideration of the authenticity of the Italian agro-food sector, which lives within a network of relations particular to the Italian system. Nonprofit organisations, tourism, young innovators and startuppers are all essential elements of this network and benefit from each other’s growth.
