ROME: Istat published the data regarding 2016. According to the analysis made by Fruitimprese, there was a substantial growth in the value of exports, which exceeded €4.75 billion, a 4.9% increase compared to 2015 and a record for the sector. Volumes exceeded 4.25 million tons, a 6.1% increase.
The balance is slightly over €1 billion with a 43.6% increase compared to 2015. Imports decreased both on volume (-3.7%) and value (-2.4%).
There was an increase in the flow of fresh fruit (1.7%), vegetables (15.7), citrus fruit (20%) and dried fruit (15.2%). The signs were positive also as regards values: vegetables (8.2%), citrus fruit (7,6%), fresh fruit (1%) and dried fruit (6.9%).
For what concerns imports, there was an increase in the volume of tropical fruit (4.4%) and dried fruit (16.9%) an a decrease in the flow of fresh fruit (-3.1%), vegetables (-5.4%) and citrus fruit (24.1%). Fruitimprese President Marco Salvi reports that he is pleased with this result, which shows Italian companies not only know how to work on the international market but are also capable of growing, thanks to the high quality of their products, innovation and international cooperation.
This positive trend would be even more evident if it weren’t for the negative elements that affected exports in different strategic areas, such the Russian ban. Then there is also the political instability and civil wars in various parts of North Africa, which weaken the economies of many countries, devalue currencies and lead to a reduction of the volumes imported.
It is therefore necessary to make an appeal to the institutions to recover the lost markets and find new ones. The fresh produce sector must be given the attention and importance it deserves, because that’s the only chance to keep growing and export Italian products all over the world.
