Italian exports of canned tomato products rose to €3 billion in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase in volume and a 3.8% rise in value, according to industry data published by Anicav, the national association of vegetable food processors, to coincide with the second annual National Made in Italy Day.
More than 2.2 million tonnes of preserved tomato products were shipped abroad. Peeled, chopped, and cherry tomatoes accounted for over 64% of exports, while tomato purée — the most consumed tomato product domestically — represented 21% of the total.
EUROPE DRIVES DEMAND, BUT US REMAINS KEY MARKET
Europe remained the primary destination for Italian tomato exports, absorbing more than 60% of total export value. Germany, the UK, and France were the top importers within the region. The United States was the largest non-European market, accounting for 15% of exports, followed by Japan — ranked sixth globally and second among non-EU buyers.
ITALY’S TOMATO INDUSTRY SOUNDS ALARM OVER TARIFF THREATS AND COUNTERFEITS
Marco Serafini, Anicav’s president, said the figures underscore “strong global appreciation” for Italian canned tomato products, which are made from raw materials grown by Italian farmers “paid the highest prices in the world” and produced to “the highest standards of quality and safety.”
Giovanni De Angelis, the association’s director general, warned that lingering trade tensions with the US, particularly tariff measures introduced under the Trump administration, continue to pose a risk to the sector. He cited concerns over proposed new duties that could raise total import levies to 32.5%, threatening Italy’s market share and opening the door to so-called “Italian sounding” imitations.
Anicav urged the European Commission to take a firm stance during the current 90-day suspension of US tariffs.
L’articolo Italy’s Tomato Preserve Exports Soar to €3 Billion in 2024 proviene da Italianfood.net.