2010, BOOM IN ITALIAN FOOD EXPORTS: RECORD 28 BILLION EUROS (UP 13% COMPARED TO 2009). TOP PERFORMERS ARE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES AT 4.1 BILLION EUROS, PUSHING ITALIAN WINE DOWN TO SECOND PLACE AT 3.9 BILLION EUROS, SAYS COLDIRETTI ON ISTAT DATA

Italian food exports have hit a record. In 2010 the export value reached a high of 27.7 billion, 13% more than in 2009, referred Coldiretti (the Association of Italian Farmers), from the findings of Istat, the Italian National Institute of Statistics) data. This result comes mainly from exports in the European Union, for 19.3 billion euros (+11.2%), but also to the U.S.A., for 2.2 billion euros (+10%). Emerging markets such as Asian countries showed the biggest increase at 1.8 billion euros, +20%.

The most exported products, says Coldiretti, were fresh fruit and vegetables that, with 21% in value, reached 4.1 billion euros and knocked wine out of its first place position. Wine, however reached a record 3.9 billion euros (12% more compared to 2009). Cheese and dairy products are increasing in volume, but somewhat less in value (+15% for 1.7 billion euros) and so is oil (+14% for 1.1 billion euros). Pasta, the symbol of Italy the world over, is stable at 1.8 billion euros. PDO products such as Prosciutto di Parma ham, Grana Padano cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese showed the greatest increase: the two major Italian cheeses, in China alone, saw exports increase by 162%.