Southern Italy positions mango and avocado as emerging growth crops, Macfrut discussions show

The final day of Macfrut closed with a full programme of technical sessions and industry meetings, placing strong attention on the development of mango and avocado production in Southern Italy. Discussions at the Rimini Expo Centre highlighted the growing commercial interest in these crops as consumption expands and investment continues across the supply chain.

Southern Italy is increasingly being viewed as a strategic production zone for tropical fruit, particularly mango and avocado. This message dominated the “Mango and Avocado Explosion” seminar, a three-day initiative dedicated to assessing market trends, production potential and long-term opportunities for the sector.

Imports and consumption continue to rise

During the seminar, Pietro Mauro presented an overview of market dynamics, noting that Italy has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing import markets for both products. He indicated that mango imports have expanded sharply over the past decade, with particularly strong growth recorded in recent years, both in volume and value.

He also explained that avocado imports have followed a similar trajectory, supported by steady consumer demand and expanding retail distribution. A portion of imported fruit is re-exported to other markets, reflecting Italy’s role as both a consumption and redistribution hub within the European supply chain.

Recent retail data presented during the session showed that purchases of both fruits continued to grow between 2024 and 2025, confirming sustained demand despite relatively stable or slightly declining price levels.

Climate and supply chain planning shape future production

Paolo Inglese, from the Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences at the University of Palermo, outlined the ongoing expansion of tropical fruit cultivation in Southern Italy, particularly in Sicily. He explained that climate conditions are increasingly favourable for these crops, although long-term development will require careful management of environmental risks linked to climate variability.

He emphasised that coordinated planning across nurseries, growers and distributors could support the creation of a structured domestic supply chain capable of delivering consistent quality and maintaining competitive prices. Strengthening the identity and visibility of locally produced fruit was also identified as an important step for positioning Italian mango and avocado production in the market.

Retailers confirm stronger demand for tropical fruit

Retail representatives also reported growing sales momentum for both products. Fabio Ferrari indicated that avocados have gained significant importance within the company’s assortment in recent years, supported by steady volume growth across stores.

Similarly, Nicola Buoso reported that avocado sales have now overtaken pineapple within the exotic fruit category in his organisation, while mango continues to record consistent expansion.

Both managers expressed confidence in the future of these fruits within the Italian retail sector and signalled growing interest in sourcing locally produced volumes as domestic cultivation expands.

Producers and investors seeking to expand tropical fruit operations in the Mediterranean region can send their inquiry for a free consultaion.