Italy, fruit & vegetable exports industry recover: +8%

3,037,140 tonnes of fruit-vegetables were exported by Italy worldwide in the period January to October 2007, with a 8% increase compared to the same period last year. This is an encouraging sign of recovering for the Italian industry, suffering from a stop back in recent years.
Value figures are even more remarkable if one considers that 2007 exports have produced 2.5 millions euro, that is +12% compared to 2006.
Italian exports now also feature more target destination Countries, proof of the adaptation of Italy to global demand.
According to a survey presented yesterday by the Italian service centre for the industry CSO, Italy confirms itself as leading producing Country in Europe for a number of varieties, with a total supply of 30.4 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables.
Apple production proves to be generally stable, with traditional varieties decreasing while new investments have been carried out for varieties such as Fuji, for which an upsurge by 80% is forecast in the next three years. Export of apples too is on the rise.
Peaches and nectarines suffer from greater competition on international markets, due to oversupply and stuck consumptions in Europe. Export of peaches and nectarines is therefore closely linked to the campaign’s production results.
For pears Italy remains leading European producer, with a production concentrated by 65% in the region Emilia-Romagna. Only the Abate Fetel variety will receive relevant investments in the next few years, expected to grow by 5% by 2010.
Kiwifruits also offer great prospects to Italy, being first world producer with a supply level constantly increasing. 70% of the supply is destined to exportations, highly affected by the campaign’s production results