Italy's DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) and IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) sectors continue to play a pivotal role in the national economy.
Despite facing challenges in agricultural production and international markets, these sectors have demonstrated resilience and growth. According to the 22nd Ismea-Qualivita Report, the combined production value of DOP and IGP products in 2023 reached EUR 20.2 billion, marking a slight annual increase of 0.2% and a remarkable growth of 52% over the past decade. This robust performance underscores the importance of the DOP Economy, which contributes 19% of the Italian agri-food sector's total turnover.
Key Highlights of the Report
Growth in the Food Sector
- The food segment grew by 3.5%, exceeding EUR 9 billion for the first time.
- Notable performers included Grana Padano (EUR 1.8 billion, +8.8%), Prosciutto di Parma (EUR 951 million, +2%), and Parmigiano Reggiano (EUR 1.6 billion, though it declined by -7%).
Challenges in the Wine Sector
- The bottled wine sector experienced a slowdown, with a decline in both quantity (-0.7%) and value (-2.3%), totaling EUR 11 billion.
- DOP wines saw a significant dip, with bottling reduced by -4% and a value decrease to EUR 9.08 billion (-3.7%). In contrast, IGP wines exhibited growth, with bottled quantities up by +6% and values increasing to EUR 1.95 billion (+4.8%).
Export Trends
- Exports remained a bright spot, reaching EUR 11.6 billion, despite slight declines (-0.1% compared to 2022). Over half (52%) of exports are destined for non-EU markets, with the United States as the top destination, accounting for 21% of the total.
Employment and Infrastructure
- The DOP Economy employs approximately 847,405 people across production and processing phases.
- This includes 317 protection consortia and nearly 200,000 operators who maintain the integrity and standards of these high-quality products.
Regional Dynamics
The regional contributions to the DOP Economy present a varied landscape:
- North-East Italy remains dominant, contributing 54% of the sector's value (EUR 11 billion). Veneto, driven by Prosecco, leads with EUR 4.85 billion.
- Southern Italy and Islands are growing consistently, with Sardinia (+19%) and Abruzzo (+10.6%) leading the way. This area has shown sustained growth for five years.
- North-West Italy also exhibited growth (+1.5%), with Lombardy surpassing EUR 2.5 billion for the first time.
- Central Italy, however, faced declines (-3.9%), driven by setbacks in Tuscany (-5.5%).
Sector-Specific Analysis
Wine
- Wine remains a cornerstone of the DOP Economy, accounting for 60% of DOP/IGP exports. However, the challenges in bottled wine values and export volumes have highlighted areas needing strategic interventions.
- Key denominations like Prosecco DOP, Asti, and Barolo experienced declines, while Veneto IGP (+45.7%) and Terre Siciliane (+6.2%) demonstrated growth.
Food
- The food sector saw a robust expansion, particularly in cheese (+5.3%), olive oil (+33%), and bakery products (+9%).
- The growing role of discount retailers, now holding an 18% market share for DOP/IGP products, reflects shifting consumer dynamics.
Future Directions and Challenges
The Ismea-Qualivita Report emphasizes the resilience of Italy's DOP/IGP systems, even amidst geopolitical and climatic challenges. Key recommendations for sustaining growth include:
- Adapting to Technological Transformations: Leveraging innovation to enhance production and distribution efficiency.
- Strengthening Export Strategies: With significant reliance on international markets, particularly the U.S. and non-EU regions, proactive measures to address tariff-related issues are vital.
- Sustainability Focus: As global consumers prioritize eco-conscious products, integrating sustainable practices across the supply chain is imperative.
Conclusion
The Italian DOP Economy stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Made in Italy products, blending tradition with modernity. Despite hurdles in certain sectors, the overall trajectory remains positive, with opportunities for innovation and international expansion. The contributions of dedicated consortia, operators, and policymakers continue to shape this vibrant sector, securing its position as a cornerstone of Italy's agri-food identity.
Source: WineNews