The new ISMEA-Qualivita Report captures a Geographical Indication system that is more solid than ever, capable of growing despite tariffs, market instability, and slowdowns in some supply chains. The overall value of the PDO economy, in 2024, will reach 20,7 billion euros, confirming a 3,5% expansion of the sector and a 25% increase compared to 2020. This is now a structural contribution to the Italian agri-food sector, equal to 19% of national turnover.
The system is once again driven by export performance: for the first time, GI food and wine together exceed the 12,3 billion eurosThe food sector recorded double-digit growth, reaching €5,15 billion, while bottled wine consolidated at €7,19 billion, representing 88% of total Italian wine exports. Both EU markets (+5,9%) and non-EU markets (+10,4%) are growing, with the United States remaining the leading destination, accounting for 22% of exported value.
On the supply chain front, the report highlights 183.823 operators active and 864.441 employees, up 1,6%. The in-depth study dedicated to GI businesses reveals a productive fabric characterized by younger entrepreneurs, higher specialized skills, and a greater propensity for multifunctionality, factors that determine an average production more than three times higher than the national agricultural average.
2024 also marks a widespread territorial strengthening: the 65% of Italian provinces records an increase in the value generated and more than one in four grows in double digits. The North-East remains the driving area, touching 11,24 billion aggregates, but the Northwest is also surprising (+7,1%), where Lombardy stands out with a 13,1% jump and a value of €2,9 billion. Encouraging signs also come from the South (+3,4%), supported by Puglia, Sicily, and Campania.
In the DOP IGP STG food sector, the production value rises to 9,64 billion (+7,7%), with very positive trends for cheeses (+10,5%), pastas (+11%) and especially olive oils, which increased by +46,9%. Exports of GI food reached a new high of 5 billion, growing in all the main markets. DOP IGP wine, after the slowdown in 2023, returns to stability, confirming a bottled value of 11,04 billion and record exports. Among the main denominations, strong performances were noted for Delle Venezie (+9,0%), Puglia PGI (+19,6%), and Terra di Bari (+89,3%), the latter among the year's most significant growth rates.
In large-scale retail trade, the demand for certified products continues to consolidate: spending reaches 6,2 billion euros (+1,1%), with discount stores confirming their position as the most dynamic channel (+1,9%) and the South as the most vibrant region (+4,7%). The new Report therefore certifies a growing PDO economy, increasingly export-oriented, capable of generating employment and territorial value, and poised to strengthen its strategic role in the Italian agri-food system.
