The Italian Association of Sweets and Pasta Industries, or Aidepi, reported that it achieved positive results for the first 8 months of the year, with an increase of 7.7%, equalling 1.3 billion and 1.2 tonnes respectively. Sweets that are Made in Italy have soared on foreign markets too, with sales from exports up 12.7% and 1.85 billion tonnes in filled orders.
The United States and Brazil remain the primary pasta consumers outside of Italy, but there are positive export results for new entry countries like India, Egypt and Iran, which has shown an increase in demand of over 120% compared to 2007 levels. China has also shown great admiration for Italian pasta, and over the last five years has increased imports by almost 40%. Gluten-free, organic and high-fibre products has also shown promise, accounting for 11% of total exports in 2012 worth a total of some 3 billion dollars.
Turning to the sweets segment, it would seem as if everyone is going crazy for Italian chocolate, with exports increasing by 22% to 650 million. According to the research carried out by Aidepi together with Euromonitor, international channels will account for 80% of total growth for the Italian ice cream (gelato) sector.
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The Value of Made in Italy
