With a turnover growth of +5,9% in 2024, the Italian food industry confirms its dynamism even in an uncertain macroeconomic context. This is what emerges from the XNUMXth edition of the Food Industry Monitor, the observatory on the performance and governance models of Italian food, created by the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo and Ceresio Investors. The forecasts remain positive also for the two-year period 2025-2026, with an expected growth of +4,6% and +4,4% respectively, supported by solid domestic consumption and recovering industrial investments.
Exports are confirmed as a pillar of growth, with a forecast jump of +7,3% in 2025, driven in particular by wine (over 8 billion euros of exports), oil (+6,3%) and coffee (+6,9%). However, the uncertainties related to US customs policies remain strong. 13% of Italian food exports are directed to the USA, but only a few companies have production plants overseas, making the entire sector vulnerable. "The introduction of duties could lead to a drastic reduction in exports", warned Carmine Garzia, professor of Management and scientific director of the Monitor.
The research analyzes the data of 860 companies, with an aggregate turnover of 87 billion euros, active in 15 sectors. Family businesses represent 67% of the sample and record higher performances than non-family businesses. ROI and ROE are significantly higher, thanks to advanced governance models, the presence of strategic family presidents and shared leadership. In over half of the cases (53,3%), these are companies in the third generation or beyond, with a central role in sectors such as flour, oil, beer and water.
In terms of profitability, the sector closed 2024 with an average ROS of 5,7% and a ROIC of 6,9%, maintaining good financial solidity (debt ratio of 1,19). Performance remains above the national average, with an Italian GDP stable at 0,7%.
During the day of work, moderated by Silvia Sciorilli Borrelli (Financial Times), important figures in the sector met, such as Matteo Lunelli (Ferrari Trento), Guido Repetto (Elah Dufour), Maria Luisa Miccolis (SACE) and Alessandro Santini (Ceresio Investors), who reiterated the need to accelerate the internationalization of production: "We must not see Made in Italy only as export of finished products, but also as know-how to be brought directly to the destination markets". The conference was concluded by Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food and president of the University of Pollenzo, who recalled the centrality of food as a lever of sustainability, culture and identity.
