""""

Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 10/6/2003

**GAIN Report Number:** IT3021

IT3021

**Italy**

**Exporter Guide**

**Annual**

**2003**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Ann Murphy

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Dana Biasetti

**Report Highlights:**

This report offers U.S. companies interested in exporting food and
agricultural products to Italy a guide to the country\'s; economic
situation, market structure, Italian and EU labeling requirements, trade
regulations, customs and standards, overview of the Italian retail, and
HRI sector, as well as exporter tips and trade prospects.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Rome \[IT1\]

\[IT\]

Table of Contents

[Macro Economic Situation & Key Demographic Trends
3](#macro-economic-situation-key-demographic-trends)

[Italian Importers, Wholesalers & Retailers
4](#italian-importers-wholesalers-retailers)

[Advantages and Challenges for U.S. Exporters in Italy
5](#advantages-and-challenges-for-u.s.-exporters-in-italy)

[Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards
5](#trade-regulations-customs-and-standards)

[EU Import Requirements -- Food 6](#eu-import-requirements-food)

[Standards & Labeling Requirements in the EU/Italy
6](#standards-labeling-requirements-in-the-euitaly)

[Quinine and Caffeine 8](#quinine-and-caffeine)

[Beef Labeling 8](#beef-labeling)

[Egg Labeling 8](#egg-labeling)

[Metric Labeling 10](#metric-labeling)

[General Imports Procedures 13](#general-imports-procedures)

[Temporary Entry of Goods to Promote Sales
14](#temporary-entry-of-goods-to-promote-sales)

[Use of Agents and Distributors; Finding a Partner
14](#use-of-agents-and-distributors-finding-a-partner)

[Market Sector Structure and Trends
14](#market-sector-structure-and-trends)

[The Italian Retail Food Sector 14](#the-italian-retail-food-sector)

[The Italian Hotel and Restaurant Industry
15](#the-italian-hotel-and-restaurant-industry)

[Marketing U.S. Agricultural Products
15](#marketing-u.s.-agricultural-products)

[Advertising and Trade Promotion 17](#advertising-and-trade-promotion)

[Best Prospects for U.S. Agricultural Exports
18](#best-prospects-for-u.s.-agricultural-exports)

[Agricultural Exports and Imports 19](#agricultural-exports-and-imports)

[Leading Italian Agricultural Exports to the United States in 2002
19](#leading-italian-agricultural-exports-to-the-united-states-in-2002)

[Tables and Statistics 20](#tables-and-statistics)

[Consumer Food Imports from the World
20](#consumer-food-imports-from-the-world)

[Edible Fishery Imports from the World
20](#edible-fishery-imports-from-the-world)

[Fish and Seafood Products 21](#fish-and-seafood-products)

[Top Suppliers of Edible Fishery Products
22](#top-suppliers-of-edible-fishery-products)

[Top Suppliers of Consumer Foods 22](#top-suppliers-of-consumer-foods)

[Major Italian Food and Agricultural Trade Shows
23](#major-italian-food-and-agricultural-trade-shows)

[USDA FAS Contacts in Rome, Italy 29](#usda-fas-contacts-in-rome-italy)

[Calendar of Italian Holidays 30](#calendar-of-italian-holidays)

[Key Italian Government Agencies 30](#key-italian-government-agencies)

Market Overview

## Macro Economic Situation & Key Demographic Trends

Italy's trade in agricultural products exhibits a number of unusual
characteristics, especially when compared to that of its European
neighbors. While recognized globally as a first class exporter of high
quality foods---Parmesan cheese, olive oil, prosciutto ham---Italy
perennially runs an overall agricultural trade deficit of nearly \$6
billion. Many of Italy's agricultural imports support production of food
items that are processed and then exported.

Trends in Italian consumption reflect social changes such as smaller
family size and the rise of a dynamic singles component in the
population. Singles now have a much more visible role in Italian
society. Unlike in the past, there are many more young people venturing
out from their family homes and living on their own, especially in
Italy's northern industrial cities. Singles are also starting to be
recognized for their buying power, as retail outlets have started to
cater to their needs by offering ready-made food products. This trend is
expected to increase demand for convenience and novelty foods.

An overall shift toward healthy living has led to a rise in demand for
light or dietetic products. The demand for fish and seafood products,
believed to be a healthy, low-fat option to meat, has flourished in
Italy. Furthermore, Italians acknowledge the importance of breakfast and
snacking in the diet, attracting them to innovative and convenient
products in the health and processed food sectors.

Given its extensive food processing industries, Italy imports growing
volumes of raw materials to service its expanding markets for processed
products. As the population growth rate remains stagnant, young single
adults have increased their buying power in the market. Retail outlets
have acknowledged this trend by introducing products targeted for this
group, such as single-portion, ready-made food products.

Italians believe that frozen foods can be equally as nutritious as fresh
food, and value its easy storage and use. As a result, the frozen foods
industry is expected to grow significantly. The majority of retail sales
of frozen ready meals are for frozen pizza, followed by pasta-based,
fish-based and vegetable-based meals.

As retailers continue to offer a wide variety of frozen food products,
sales of frozen foods are forecasted to reach \$2.2 billion in 2005\--a
43% jump from 2000.

The preference for frozen foods over canned foods has limited canned
foods to a marginal growth. The market value of canned food in 2001 was
approximately \$1.5 billion and is expected to reach only \$1.6 billion
by 2005. Products representing significant sales in the canned food
industry include fish and seafood, meat and meat products, tomatoes and
beans. Tuna accounts for the majority\--87%\--of canned fish and seafood
products.

In 2002, the Italian cereal market was valued at an estimated \$204
million. The cereal market is divided into two categories: hot cereals
and ready-to-eat cereal, with the latter accounting for 98.8% of the
market. Current advertisements promoting cereal products as healthy
snack alternatives may lead to increased demand for cereal products.
Steady growth in the cereal industry if this pace continues is expected
to increase market value to approximately \$248 million in 2006\--close
to a 22% increase over 2002.

According to U.S. Department of Commerce statistics, the top seven U.S.
agricultural exports to Italy in 2002 were wheat (\$117 million),
soybeans (\$87 million), hardwood lumber (\$82 million), hides & skins
(\$80 million), tree nuts (\$59 million), fish and seafood (\$47
million) and lobster (\$37 million).

Despite the current economic climate in Italy, the fluctuations in the
dollar/Euro exchange rate, and the often protectionist regulations of
the EU, there are still many opportunities in the near-to-medium term to
both maintain and expand the market for a variety of U.S. agricultural
products.

Italy's economy stagnated in the first half of 2002 as the soft global
economic situation dampened Italian exports and heightened consumer
uncertainty. Since conversion to the Euro, inflation has been a problem.
Unemployment in Italy is high, but slightly above the average of the EMU
zone of 8.8 percent, based on May 2003 data. According to April 2003
data, Italy's unemployment rate was 8.9 percent nationwide, the lowest
level since 1992.

Despite the recent strains on the economy, Italy remains one of the most
affluent nations in Europe, with a GDP of \$1.1 trillion and per capita
income of \$18,600. Population growth is nearly stagnant with increased
immigration offsetting a negative birth rate among Italians.

The Italian peninsula varies climatically, geographically, culturally,
and economically between north and south. For example, per capita income
in the north approaches \$23,000, whereas the \$12,000 per capita income
in the south (below Naples) is almost one-half of that of the north.
Also contrary to trends across Europe, the majority of Italians continue
to live in small cities and towns. The combined population of Italy's
three largest cities\-- Rome, Milan, and Naples\-- accounts for 10
million or 5.8 percent of the Italian population. Markets are therefore
diffuse and relatively small scale, but often lucrative.

## Italian Importers, Wholesalers & Retailers

Italian importers are usually small to medium-sized companies, rather
than the large, market-dominating varieties found in northern Europe.
Consequently, these companies import on a smaller scale and usually in a
broader range than their much larger European counterparts. Most
imported food products enter the Italian market through brokers or
specialized traders. Price is an increasingly important basis for import
purchases, although quality and novelty alone does move some products.
Imported products from North America often enter Italy indirectly from
the Netherlands\' Port of Rotterdam or directly via air.

Wholesalers are the main customers for fish and seafood products, as
they purchase and distribute products to consumers through supermarkets,
hypermarkets, local fish shops, restaurants, and fishmongers and fish
processors. In Italy there are over 1000 fish wholesalers\--100 of which
are considered to be importers.

Processed food is primarily distributed through retail grocers,
convenience stores and discount grocers. The number of wholesalers for
processed foods has decreased as supermarket chains take on the
purchasing responsibility. Key local distribution chains and
supermarkets in Italy include COOP Italy, CONAD, La Rinascente and
Gruppo COIN\--each maintaining their market share through mergers and
alliances. For example, in 2001, La Rinascente entered a joint venture
with France\'s Auchan to be the first grocery chain to offer national
coverage. Together, they plan to open 120 superettes, 50 local
traditional stores and six supermarkets by 2009.

## Advantages and Challenges for U.S. Exporters in Italy

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **Advantages**                    | **Challenges**                    |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Italians are becoming more aware  | Competition in the Italian food   |
| of                                | market is fierce and many         |
|                                   | consumers still have a preference |
| foreign cuisine's and are open to | for traditional Italian products. |
| novelty foods.                    |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Italy's booming tourist industry  | U.S. exporters have to conform to |
| further stimulates demand for     | often difficult Italian/European  |
| ready made, single portion        | standards and regulations.        |
| products for the HRI sector.      |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Strong interest towards new and   | Food scares have made some        |
| innovative products, especially   | Italian consumers wary of the     |
| in the health, specialty and      | unfamiliar.                       |
| ethnic food categories.           |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards

As a member of the European Union (EU), the Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP) governs its entire agricultural sector. Similarly, Italy employs
the same tariffs, levies and other EU regulations as the other fourteen
member states. For example, Italy imposes variable levies (on grain
products) and quotas (on meat, cheese, and bananas) as required by the
European Union. Italy also applies a value-added tax on most
food/agricultural items (ranging from 4 percent for semi processed
commodities to 19 percent for "luxury", or high value food items).

Product imported into Italy must meet all Italian and EU food safety and
quality standards, as well as Italian labeling and packaging
regulations. All food products must be designed and produced in
compliance with relevant technical and safety standards. Restrictions on
the sale of spirit drinks, e.g. whisky sold in EU must have a minimum
alcoholic strength per volume of 40%. As of 1 January 1993, containers
with a closing device covered by lead-based capsules of foil may not be
used for food products.

Many of these standards and regulations have been harmonized within the
European Union. For example, the EU has adopted a number of regulations
covering production standards, analytical characteristics, product
specifications, allowable additives, and labeling. Specific EU
regulations exist for cocoa, chocolate products, sugars, fruit juices,
fruit jams and jellies, milk and casein products.

However, where EU standards do not exist, Italy can set its own national
requirements. Some of these have been known to hamper imports of game
meat, processed meat products, frozen foods, alcoholic beverages, and
snack foods/confectionery products. U.S. exporters of "health" foods
weight loss/diet foods; baby foods and vitamins should work closely with
an Italian importer, since Italy\'s labeling laws regarding health
claims can be particularly stringent. Italian legislation sets forth
orders, obligations and criminal sanctions for violations.

A comprehensive guide to the latest EU food laws and regulations is
available at

**Food law is divided into these basic categories:**

1.  Rules dealing with hygiene/sanitary issues and rules governing
    labeling and packaging. All laws apply equally to domestically
    produced and imported goods. Italy is still working on specific
    sectors of food law to bring the regulations scientifically up to
    date in the areas of hygiene/sanitation.

2.  In the case of food additives, coloring and modified starches,
    Italy\'s laws are considered to be comparative to current U.S. laws,
    albeit sometimes more restrictive.

3.  All imports of food items are subject to the sanitary and
    phytosanitary

> regulations of the EU as well as strict certification requirements
> established by the individual country's health authorities.

## EU Import Requirements -- Food

Trade Documents

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ###### Trade Documents                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Commercial Invoice                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Bill of Lading/ Air waybill                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Certificate of Origin                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Packing List                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Inspection Certificate                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Import Licensing                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   Follow Buyer's Instruction                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Quotas:** Depends                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Labels**: Yes -- Required                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Country of Origin Marking:** Mandatory on prepackaged foodstuffs    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Tax:** Import Duty + VAT (varies according to different importing   |
| countries).                                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

## 

## Standards & Labeling Requirements in the EU/Italy

(Source: Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Mission to the EU)

General rules on the labeling, presentation and advertising of
foodstuffs marketed in the EU are laid down in European Parliament and
Council Directive 2000/13/EC+corrigendum (English version of Annex III).
This new directive consolidates general labeling directive 79/112/EEC
and all its amendments in a single text. It applies to foodstuffs
intended for supply to restaurants, hospitals and other similar mass
caterers and to foodstuffs intended for sale to the ultimate consumer.

**The indication of the following particulars is compulsory on the
labeling of foodstuffs**:

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The name     |
| under which the foodstuff is sold.                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The list of  |
| ingredients, in descending order of weight.                           |
|                                                                       |
| The following ingredients require a specific statement on the label:  |
| GMOs, packaging gases, sweeteners, aspartame, polyoils, quinine and   |
| caffeine.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} The quantity  |
| of certain ingredients or categories of ingredients                   |
| ([QUID](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/#QUID)).                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The net      |
| quantity of prepackaged foodstuffs expressed in [metric               |
| units](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/#Metric) (liter, centiliter,           |
| milliliter, kilogram or gram). A small "e" on the label may be used   |
| to guarantee that the actual content corresponds to the quantity      |
| indicated.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The date of  |
| minimum durability in a specific format or the \"use by\" date for    |
| highly perishable foodstuffs.                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Any special  |
| storage conditions or conditions of use.                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The name or  |
| business name and address of the manufacturer, packager or vendor     |
| established within the Community.                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Particulars  |
| of the place of origin or provenance in case absence of such          |
| information might mislead the consumer.                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Instructions |
| for intended use.                                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  The actual   |
| alcoholic strength for beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by |
| volume.                                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  A [mark to   |
| identify the lot](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/#Lot) to which a foodstuff  |
| belongs.                                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Treatments   |
| undergone, with specific indications for irradiated or [deep-frozen   |
| foods](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/frozen.html).                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Annex I lists the categories of ingredients that may be designated by
the name of the category rather than the specific name, e.g. cheese,
spices.  [Directive
2001/101/EC](http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/fs/fl/fl06_en.pdf) adds meat
as a category and provides at the same time a strict definition for the
term meat.

Annex II lists the categories of additives that must be designated by
the name of their category followed by their specific name or EC number.

Annex III describes the way of designating flavorings in the list of
ingredients. 

Labeling has to be in a language easily understood by consumers;
therefore for products sold in Italy the labels must also be in Italian,
however, multi-language labeling is allowed throughout the EU.

Medical claims, attributing to a foodstuff the property of preventing,
treating or human diseases are explicitly prohibited. However, the EU
general labeling directive does not provide any guidance on which health
claims (e.g. \"Aids Digestion\") are allowed and which is not. As a
result, many EU Member States have developed separate initiatives in
this area.

Harmonized labeling requirements for potential allergens do not exist
yet, but will be developed in the near future.

Product Specific labeling requirements exist for:

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Cocoa and
  chocolate products, sugars, honey, fruit juices and similar products,
  preserved milk, coffee extracts and chicory extracts, fruit jam,
  jellies, marmalades and chestnut puree.

  ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Infant and
  follow-on formula, cereal-based baby and infant's foods, meal replacers
  for use in energy-restricted diets, medical foods.
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

# Quinine and Caffeine

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  [Commission Directive
  2002/67/EC](http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2002/l_191/l_19120020719en00200021.pdf),
  scheduled to come into force by July 2004, requires the compulsory labeling of quinine and
  caffeine when they have been used in the production or preparation of foodstuffs (usually tonic
  waters and energy drinks).  Quinine and caffeine must be mentioned in the ingredients list,
  preceded by the term \"flavoring\".  Beverages containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter
  will have to be labeled with \"high caffeine content\", followed by the caffeine content
  expressed in mg/100 ml.

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# Beef Labeling

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| A [compulsory beef labeling                                           |
| scheme](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smart               |
| api!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=32000R1825&model=guichett) |
| has been in place since September 2000.  Full [implementation of the  |
| beef labeling                                                         |
| scheme](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smart               |
| api!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=32000R1760&model=guichett) |
| went into effect on January 1, 2002.  Under this scheme, labels for   |
| all bovine meat must indicate the following information:              |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}\"Born in:     |
| third country\"\                                                      |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}\"Reared in:   |
| third country or third countries\"\                                   |
| The above can be combined if the animal was born, raised and          |
| slaughtered in the same third country, i.e. \"Origin:  third          |
| country\"\                                                            |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}\"Slaughtered  |
| in:  third country / approval number of slaughterhouse\"\             |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}\"Cutting in   |
| :  third country / approval number of cutting plant\                  |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}A trace        |
| ability code linking the meat to the animal or a group of animals     |
| representing the production of maximum one day.                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

# Egg Labeling

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  The mandatory marking of grade A eggs (fresh eggs for human
  consumption) by a code designating the producer and farming method
  enters into force on January 1, 2004.  Each egg produced in the EU has
  to be stamped individually with one of the following codes indicating
  the farming method:  O = organic, 1 = free range, 2 = barn, 3 = cage. 
  For eggs imported from the U.S., the new rules are not totally clear
  yet.  The European Commission must first evaluate the U.S. labeling
  rules in force to determine whether they are equivalent to the EU\'s
  technical rules and standards.  Pending the outcome of this evaluation,
  imported grade A eggs may be stamped individually with either a code
  corresponding to the mentioned methods of production or with a code
  identifying the unspecified nature of the farming method. 

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

**Nutrition Labeling**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Nutrition labeling rules are laid down in [Council Directive          |
| 90/496/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartap         |
| i!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31990L0496&model=guichett).  |
| Nutrition labeling is not mandatory in the EU unless a nutrition      |
| claim is made on the label or in advertising messages. \"Nutrition    |
| labeling," means any information on the label that relates to energy  |
| value and to the following nutrients: protein, carbohydrate, fat,     |
| fiber, sodium, vitamins and minerals present in significant amounts.  |
|                                                                       |
| A \"nutrition claim\" means any representation or advertising that    |
| claims that a foodstuff has particular nutrition properties and is    |
| only allowed if it relates to the energy value and/or nutrients       |
| referred to above.                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| Where nutrition labeling is provided, the information to be given     |
| should consist of either group 1 or group 2 in the following order:   |
|                                                                       |
| **Group 1:**\                                                         |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} the energy    |
| value\                                                                |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} the amount of |
| protein, carbohydrate and fat                                         |
|                                                                       |
| **Group 2:** \                                                        |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} the energy    |
| value\                                                                |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} the amount of |
| protein, carbohydrate, sugar, fat, saturates, fiber and sodium        |
|                                                                       |
| The energy value and the proportion of nutrients must be declared in  |
| specific units per 100 grams or per 100 milliliters. Information on   |
| vitamins and minerals must be expressed as a percentage of the        |
| recommended daily allowance (RDA).                                    |
|                                                                       |
| The information on the label must be presented in tabular form with   |
| the numbers aligned or if space does not permit, in linear form in a  |
| language easily understood by the purchaser.                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**Quantitative Ingredients Declaration (QUID)**

Quantitative ingredients declaration is mandatory in the following
cases:

![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Where the
ingredient or category of ingredients appears in the name under which
the foodstuff is sold.

![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Where the
ingredient or category of ingredients is usually associated with that
name by the consumer.

![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Where the
ingredient or category of ingredients is emphasized on the labeling in
words, pictures or graphics.

![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Where the
ingredient or category of ingredients is essential to characterize a
foodstuff and to distinguish it from similar products.

The QUID declaration must be indicated in or immediately next to the
name under which the product is sold unless a list of ingredients is
voluntarily indicated on the label in which case the quantity may appear
in the list. The quantity of the ingredient, expressed as a percentage,
must correspond to the quantity of the ingredient(s) actually used in
the preparation of the product.

The QUID requirement DOES NOT apply to constituents naturally present in
foods and which have not been added as ingredients e.g. caffeine (in
coffee) and vitamins and 

Minerals (in fruit juices). QUID declarations are not needed in a number
of cases, e.g. when products state the drained net weight or where an
ingredient is used for purposes of flavoring. QUID declarations CANNOT
replace nutrition labeling.

[Commission Directive
1999/10/EC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31999L0010&model=guichett)
provides for derogations from the QUID requirement:

> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"} Where the
> wording \"with sweeteners\" or \"with sugar(s) and sweetener(s)
> accompanies the name under which a foodstuff is sold.\
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Where the
> addition of vitamins and minerals is subject to nutrition labeling.\
> ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}  Where
> foodstuffs are concentrated or dehydrated.

**Weight/Volume Indication**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Council Directive                                                    |
| 76/211/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smarta          |
| pi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31976L0211&model=guichett)  |
| (amended by [Commission Directive                                     |
| 78/891/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smarta          |
| pi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31978L0891&model=guichett)) |
| specifies the maximum tolerable error between the actual content and  |
| the quantity indicated on the label of prepackaged products.          |
|                                                                       |
| This directive applies to prepackages containing products intended    |
| for sale in constant unit nominal quantities which are:               |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Equal to       |
| values predetermined by the packer.\                                  |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Expressed in   |
| units of weight or volume.\                                           |
| ![](media/image2.png){width="0.125in" height="0.125in"}Not less than  |
| 5 g or 5 ml and not more than 10 kg.                                  |
|                                                                       |
| The nominal quantity (weight or volume) must be indicated on all      |
| prepackages made up in accordance with this directive.  The EEC sign, |
| a small \"e\" of at least 3 mm high placed in the same field of       |
| vision, constitutes a guarantee by the packer or importer that the    |
| prepackage meets the requirements of this directive.                  |
|                                                                       |
| Compliance with this directive is not mandatory but free movement     |
| throughout the EU is guaranteed for prepackaged products that do      |
| comply with the provisions of the directive.                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

# Metric Labeling

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  [European Parliament and Council Directive 1999/103/EC](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/1999-103.pdf) amending [Council Directive
  80/181/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31980L0181&model=guichett) on
  units of measurement, allows the use of both metric and imperial units on the same label until December 31, 2009 for products sold in
  the European Union. 

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Lot Marking**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Council Directive                                                    |
| 89/396/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celex  |
| api!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31989L0396&model=guichett) requires |
| that foodstuffs carry a mark identifying the lot to which a foodstuff |
| belongs.                                                              |
|                                                                       |
| It defines \"lot\" as a batch of sales units of a foodstuff produced, |
| manufactured or packaged under practically the same conditions.       |
|                                                                       |
| The indication to identify the lot should be determined by the        |
| producer, manufacturer or packager or by the first seller in the EU.  |
| The letter "L" except in cases shall precede the marking when it is   |
| clearly distinguishable from other indications on the label.  The lot |
| identification is not necessary if the date (day and month) of        |
| minimum durability or \"use by\" date appears in uncoded form on the  |
| label.                                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

 

**Animal By Products**

In October 2002, the European Commission approved legislation
(Regulation 1774/2002) that requires animal by-products not intended for
human consumption, including blood products, hides and pet food, be
derived from the carcasses of animals fit for human consumption. The
legislation prohibits the use of any rendered protein which was obtained
from animal carcasses that were unfit for human consumption as an animal
feed ingredient or for pet food. For example, fallen stock will not be
permitted in feed.

The regulation was scheduled to go into effect on May 1, 2003, however,
on April 16, 2003, the EU Standing Committee on Food Safety and Animal
Health approved a number of transitional and permanent implementing
measures concerning animal by-products regulation 1774/2002.  Of
particular importance to the U.S. was the approval of a transitional
period for third countries providing for a postponement of certain
portions of the regulation until December 31, 2003.  The transitional
period is needed to allow for the Commission to make technical
amendments to the import certificates.

**Background:**

The proposed legislation was initially developed in response to the
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) crisis but has been broadened to
address several animal and public health issues. The [Animal By-Products
regulation](http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2002/l_273/l_27320021010en00010095.pdf)
replaced [Directive
90/667/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31990L0667&model=guichett)
on the disposal and processing of animal waste and amended Directive
90/425/EEC.

**Pet Food**:

\- Pet food plants have to be dedicated.\
- Certain categories of pet food have to be denatured with specified
substances.\
- There will be a ban on the use of fallen stock for pet food.

**Catering Waste (including yellow grease):**

A 4 year derogation allows member states to keep incorporating certain
types of catering waste into feed.  However, given the ban on intra
species recycling, no catering waste containing porcine products, for
instance, can be used in porcine feed.

**Genetically Modified Food and Feed**

The breakdown in the EU\'s approval process for products made from
modern biotechnology has blocked most U.S. exports of corn and hinders
trade in other products.  Food processors and exporters are either
reformulating or seeking non-biotech sources, and the prospect of new
mandatory trace ability and labeling requirements is causing enormous
uncertainty in the feed and seed sectors.   Problems exist for both
approved products and products currently undergoing the approval
process.  Biotechnology continues to be more of a political than a
scientific issue in Europe and the prospects for improvement remain dim.

With some minor exceptions, no biotechnology products have been approved
since 1998.  Several products have been under review for more than six
years, as compared to an average six to nine month processes in Canada,
Japan and the United States.  U.S. exports of corn to Spain, Portugal
and Italy, the most significant EU importers, have stopped.

Italy, along with Austria, France, Germany, Greece and Luxembourg has
imposed marketing bans on some biotechnology products despite existing
EU approvals.

**Labeling & Trace ability and Food & Feed Proposals**

On July 22, 2003 the Agriculture Council adopted a series of proposals,
which be formally, published in the Official Journal by late September
or early October 2003.  They will go into force 20 days after
publication in the Official Journal but there is a three month
transition period for labeling and trace ability and a six month period
for food and feed to give operators time to adjust to the new rules
before they are fully applied during this period.  The European
Commission is expected to adopt implementing regulations where
required.  The proposals include mandatory trace ability and labeling
requirements for all biotechnology products that will be onerous and
expensive for producers and foreign suppliers to meet.

**The key outcomes that apply to U.S. exports are:**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image3.png){width="6.25e-2in" height="0.125in"}All food,    |
| feed and processed products \"produced from GMOs must be labeled,     |
| including products that no longer contain detectable traces of GM.    |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image3.png){width="6.25e-2in" height="0.125in"}The          |
| allowable adventitious presence (AP) level for EU-approved varieties  |
| of GM for use in food, feed and processed products are set at 0.9     |
| percent.  Above this AP level, products must be labeled.              |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image3.png){width="6.25e-2in" height="0.125in"}The          |
| allowable AP level for GM varieties that have received a positive EU  |
| risk assessment but have not been approved due to the 4 year defacto  |
| moratorium is set at 0.5 percent for three years after the            |
| regulations \' coming-into-force, at which time it drops to zero      |
| percent.                                                              |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image3.png){width="6.25e-2in" height="0.125in"}The \"may    |
| contain\" provision was revised to the following language:  \"In the  |
| case of products consisting of or containing mixtures of GMOs to be   |
| used only and directly as food or feed or for processing, the         |
| information referred to in paragraph 1 (b) may be replaced by a       |
| declaration of use by the operator, accompanied by a list of the      |
| unique identifiers for all those GMOs that have been used to          |
| constitute the mixture\".                                             |
|                                                                       |
| ![](media/image3.png){width="6.25e-2in" height="0.125in"}Both \"Trace |
| ability & Labeling\" and \"Food & Feed\" have two year review         |
| clauses, which require the Commission to report on their              |
| implementation and make recommendations for changes, if appropriate.  |
| The Council and Parliament must approve recommended changes.          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

**What's next?**

In the interim period, before the regulations go into effect, the
current labeling regime will remain in place and only ingredients
containing more than 1% GMO protein or DNA must be labeled.

**Legislation in force**

Until the regulations go into force, four pieces of legislation will
continue to regulate GMO\'s:

[Council Directive
2001/18](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=32001L0018&model=guichett)
(previously Council Directive 90/220) - The revised version of 90/220,
the EU directive governing the approval for environmental release and
commercialization of \"living\" genetically-modified organisms came into
force on October 17, 2002.  Features of the revision include time limits
on approvals, explicit schedules for each stage of the approval process
and also calls for new legislation on trace ability and labeling.

The Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General administers the
[Novel Foods Regulation (European Parliament & Council Reg. 258
/97)](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31997R0258&model=guichett)

assessments and labeling for most genetically modified foods. The
Commission\'s new proposal on GM Food and Feed will replace provisions
in Novel Foods governing products containing GMO\'s by extending the
labeling requirement to products produced or derived from GMO\'s (with
the exception of processing aids).  However, in the interim, labeling of
all new processed foods and food ingredients, including those made from
GMO\'s, will remain under [Novel
Foods](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/novelfood.html). 

On April 10, 2000, [Commission Regulation
49/2000](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/49-2000.pdf) entered into force setting
a one percent threshold for adventitious (accidental) contamination such
as during cultivation, harvest, transportation, storage and processing.
This amendment applies to products for which the manufacturer cannot
guarantee that each of the ingredients contains less than one percent
GMO's. Evidence must be supplied to the competent authorities that
appropriate steps were taken to avoid the presence of GMO's.

[Commission regulation 50/2000](http://www.useu.be/AGRI/50-2000.pdf),
which also entered into force on April 10, 2000, provides specific
labeling requirements for food and food ingredients containing additives
and/or flavorings that have been genetically modified or have been
produced from GMO's, as specified in Directive 90/220/EEC. This
regulation applies to additives and flavorings for use in foodstuffs
falling within the scope of [Directive
89/107/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31989L0107&model=guichett)
and [Directive
88/388/EEC](http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg-EN&numdoc=31988L0388&model=guichett).

Source: Foreign Agricultural Service U.S. Mission to the EU.

More information on EU import requirements for animal products is
available at <http://www.useu.be/agri/certification.html>.

**Exporting Meat Products to the EU**

In order to export to the EU \"meat products\" the manufacturer has to
be on a EU approved establishment list. Also, raw materials have to be
sourced from a EU approved establishment. The list of EU approved
establishments is available from <http://www.useu.be/agri/estab.html>.

To get on the approved establishment list, contact the Food Safety
Inspection Service (FSIS). (Contact information is available from
website mentioned above). Please be aware that this whole process can
require several months. Detailed information on EU import requirements
for meat and products is also available from the FSIS export library.

The website for the FSIS approved Meat Product Plants for shipping to
the EU is: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/ofo/export/leuprod.html.

# 

# General Imports Procedures

Food products must conform to the regulations required by Italian and/or
EU laws. Products are examined when they enter Italy by inspecting
import documents. Health authorities may perform tests and relative
analysis of samples. Goods are only released after payment of the import
duty and other taxes that may be due. Once import operations are
completed, the product may enter commerce within 48 hours from the time
of arrival at port if no specific problems arise from the import
document inspection or sample testing.

Import duties are determined by the tariff classification of goods and
by the customs value. With the implementation of a common EC customs
code, the 15 member states of the EU apply the same tariff on goods
imported from outside the EU. Once an imported good is

cleared in one Member State, it may move freely throughout the EU. The
exception to this rule is for organic food, which must conform to member
state standards.

It is important to work with experienced importers, i.e. to have an
agent to work with Italian regulatory authorities to ensure the
acceptability of specific products. It is also advisable for the agent
to contact health authorities at the port of entry as interpretation of
health directives may vary from port to port.

## Temporary Entry of Goods to Promote Sales

Imported samples of commercial value may be granted a temporary entry
with exemption from custom charges. However, a bond or cash deposit may
be required as security that the goods will be removed from the country.
This security is the duty and tax normally levied plus 10 percent.
Samples may remain in the country for up to 1 year. They are not
permitted to be sold, put to their normal use (except for demonstration
purposes), or utilized in any manner for remuneration. Goods imported as
samples may be imported only in quantities constituting a sample
according to normal commercial usage.

## Use of Agents and Distributors; Finding a Partner

Italy represents a large and affluent market where language and personal
relationships are valued when conducting business transactions.
Consequently, some form of local presence in Italy is generally required
to be successful. Companies wishing to enter the Italian market, as an
alternative to establishing a subsidiary, might decide to use an agent
or a distributor. The choice depends on the nature of the goods to be
distributed in Italy. There are important distinctions in Italian law
between distribution and agency agreements.

(Further information on Agents and Distributors is available at
www.export.gov/commercialservice and
[**www.tradeinfo.doc.gov**](http://www.tradeinfo.doc.gov/))

# Market Sector Structure and Trends

## The Italian Retail Food Sector

When it comes to grocery shopping, the Italian consumer is becoming more
price and quality conscious, preferring retail outlets, which are able
to offer more services, selection and cheaper private labels. Italy
however, cannot be compared to the French or U.S. retail sector, but
instead offers its own unique retail model.

Italy has an extremely fragmented distribution system. The north/south
fragmentation within the Italian retail sector is very evident. The
north of Italy continues to have the largest number of hypermarkets,
shopping malls and large supermarkets, which cater to the more
prosperous regions of the country. The south lags behind with fewer
large retail outlets and an underdeveloped distribution network. The
Italian retail sector is relatively underdeveloped and expanding at a
slower pace compared to northern European countries. Italians maintain a
strong preference for their traditional grocer, with local mom and pop
establishments still accounting for an important segment of the retail
sector. The Italian consumer is also extremely discerning, contributing
to a strong quality-gourmet food sector.

Italians love to travel, and are therefore becoming more open to foreign
cuisine. Also, the number of singles is on the rise, both among the
young and the older generations, forcing retailers to cater to their
desire for single portion, a ready-made food product.

(For further information on the Italian Retail Sector please refer to
GAIN Report #IT 2026)

## The Italian Hotel and Restaurant Industry

The Italian Hotel and Restaurant Industry sector is as diverse and
fragmented as the Retail Sector. In the Hotel industry there are many
small establishments dispersed throughout Italy, and only 2 percent of
the over 33,000 establishments belong to International Hotel chains.
Every year more than 80 million tourists visit Italy, of which 45
million are Italians residing in Italy and 35 million are foreigners.

The Italian hotel/restaurant and institutional food products sectors are
doing well, and are expected to grow even more in the future. Italy is
the world\'s fourth largest tourist destination, attracting millions of
tourists every year. This has stimulated establishment of new
restaurants, both traditional and ethnic.

The Italian HRI sector is a lucrative and growing sector, which
generated 22 billion Euros in 2002, and is the second largest in the
world after the United States. Italians are changing their eating
habits, and in the past ten years have increased their consumption of
food eaten outside of the home by 141 %.

However, before even considering the Italian HRI market it would be best
that a U.S. company interested in exporting to Italy and the EU find a
reputable importer, agent or wholesaler who already operates in the
market and can facilitate product entry and distribution.

(For further information on the Italian HRI Sector please refer to GAIN
Report #IT 3009)

## Marketing U.S. Agricultural Products

The Italian market for U.S. agricultural exports in 2002 totaled more
than \$754 million. Socio-economic and demographic changes have had a
very positive impact on the Italian consumer market. There are many more
singles and senior citizens who have disposable income and are
interested in new and foreign products. These buyers want consumer-ready
products (if available, in single portion packages), and are willing to
pay the price for high quality food.

The Italian market is highly receptive to quality U.S. consumer goods.
There are, however, a few constraints affecting the export of U.S.
products:

**1. EU policy and health regulations**. There are strict regulations
issued by the EU to control the sale of health/dietetic and organic food
products.

**2. Consumer resistance to biotech products/ingredients**. Italy
enforced in August 2000, the unilateral ban for the use of four
EU-approved corn products, based on an argument that the products should
have been approved following a full EU review and not based on
substantial equivalence. Italy, additionally, still bans genetically
modified (GM) products in baby food. In both cases, a zero tolerance
level is enforced for adventitious GM presence. Most of the major
Italian supermarket chains maintain a No GMO policy in regards to food
products.

**3. BSE (bovine spongiform encephalitis, or "mad cow") and other animal
diseases**.

Outbreaks of BSE and Foot and Mouth disease in many European countries
have affected the meat market in Italy and EU. This situation has
created strong demand for non-European origin pork and non-hormone
treated beef.

**Organics and Natural Foods**

Italy continues to play a major role in the organic and natural food
sector, both as a producer/exporter of bulk organic and natural food
products and as a consumer. The Italian organic food sector is enjoying
healthy expansion, as Italians are becoming more health conscious. The
media has had a major role in this increased interest in organic/natural
foods, particularly by constant reporting on food safety problems such
as BSE, dioxin, and other food safety problems. Focus is placed on the
nutritional/health aspects of organic products, making them desirable
and very trendy.

U.S. participation in this market continues to face limitations due to
strict import certification requirements, allowing EU competitors an
advantage in market access. EU policy still stipulates that member state
authorities need to be satisfied that imported products meet the EU
standard for "organic." U.S. and EU standards are not identical. In
addition, the importer must request import authorization for each
separate product imported.

Italian citizens' relative affluence and higher disposable income have
opened the market for other specialty food items. The pet care sector,
for one, continues to expand, creating new opportunities for unique and
high quality U.S. products. Quality U.S. pet food has developed a
profitable market share in Italy. However, competition is fierce and new
prohibitions on ingredients for pet food took effect in 2002. Because of
the BSE (mad cow) crisis, the EU has passed more stringent rules
governing products made from animal by-products, including pet food. All
ingredients used for the manufacture of pet food must be "fit for human
consumption." To summarize, pet food must come from a registered
establishment. These and other requirements are evolving as the EU seeks
to instill consumer confidence, even in the pet food sector.

Italians have access to a broad range of fresh foods due to their own
wealth of horticultural production. This contributes to their fairly
traditional food habits. While the per capita volume figures paint a
picture of a fish and vegetable hungry Mediterranean nation, the per
capita value figures also point to a group of health conscious, modern
consumers willing to pay a premium for quality food products. While the
recent economic down turn has put a damper on luxury food sales and
expensive restaurant visits, Italy is second to Portugal in per capita
spending on food within the EU.

American-style fast food chains, buffets, and salad bars are gaining
popularity in the Italian market. This move towards more convenient
dining has led Italian importers to seek out U.S. food products adapted
to self‑service eateries. Many bars, restaurants and food service
companies also are seeking foods that microwave easily. While home use
of microwaves is still low, microwave sales are increasing. Families
with two working parents rely more and more on microwaves to reheat food
and prepare frozen foods. Microwaves are present in most small food
shops to reheat baked goods such as pizza or roasted chicken.

Italians are consuming increasing quantities of breakfast cereals, nuts,
organic foods and snack foods. The Italian youth market is especially
interested in lifestyle foods such as American beer and salted snacks.
American type packaging is perceived as being trendy and consumer
friendly.

## Advertising and Trade Promotion

Marketing and advertising are factors critical to a product\'s success
in the Italian market, due to the sophisticated nature of Italian
consumers. Advertising media include newspapers (35 percent of total
advertising), magazines (35 percent), radio and television (22 percent),
movie theaters (2 percent), and other methods (6 percent).

**Newspapers and magazines**: The main means of product advertising in
Italy is through daily newspapers. Newspapers work closely with
advertising firms, both Italian and foreign. However, since the
newspapers themselves do not maintain advertising departments,
advertising firms must place their ads with special agencies
commissioned by the papers to receive advertising for them. Of about 90
daily newspapers in Italy, only a dozen or so are distributed throughout
the country. While some 230 Italian and foreign periodicals are on sale
in Italy, only about 20 have a large circulation (see list below).

**Television:** Italy is served by three public television networks
operated by Radio Televisione Italiana (RAI), a government‑regulated
company in which the national government owns a majority interest. The
three networks carry commercials all day long. There are also four major
nationwide privately owned television stations. In addition, some 100
private television stations are licensed for local broadcasting.

**Radio:** There are three radio stations owned and operated by RAI.
These are on the air for more than 340 hours weekly, and commercial time
is available. In addition to the three networks, there are hundreds of
local radio stations and several national private stations.

**Motion Picture Theaters**: Wide use of film clips is made for
advertising purposes. There are some 10,000 motion picture theaters in
Italy and many regularly show advertising. The rates for advertising
vary according to the show time and class of the theater. Advertising is
shown during every intermission. Therefore, this medium may be used to
reach a wide market and cuts across economic strata.

**Posters and Billboards**: Poster advertising is handled by a number of
specialized companies, as is electric sign advertising, which is subject
to special regulations. Poster advertisement on walls, along streets, in
streetcars, buses, and other means of transportation are used to reach
the consumer market. Both posters and billboards are subject to the
approval of provincial authorities and to payment of a tax on poster
advertising.

**Show Windows and Flyers**: Show window advertising is extensively used
in Italy. Displays are usually attractively done and show prices of the
items for sale. Advertising flyers are in common use, and street banners
are used also for special occasions. Loudspeakers are used for
advertising at sporting events. Direct advertising, through the
distribution of gifts, samples, and price reduction coupons, is
frequently used to motivate consumers.

**Trade Fairs**: Exhibitions are a cost-effective method to enter a
foreign market and meet a wide range of buyers interested in a
particular industry sector. Sales professionals find that trade fairs
attract extensive buyer attendance and frequently can be used to gauge
acceptance and pricing of new products and to observe the competition.
In the course of a few days, a new market entrant may be able to
generate more qualified and motivated prospects than by using any other
sales approach. Also, fairs are useful for finding an agent,
distributor, or representative.

The Foreign Agricultural Service in Italy works in conjunction with
Italian trade show organizers, and occasionally FCS, in support of U.S.
agricultural companies present at events that have been identified as
providing excellent prospects for American exporters.

Information on Italian trade fairs can be obtained from the FAS Italy
website: http://www.usembassy.it/agtrade/ or in the Appendix of this
report.

# Best Prospects for U.S. Agricultural Exports

U.S. bulk and intermediate commodities are used as ingredients or inputs
for value-added products re-exported and sold globally. This is
particularly true for wheat and forest products, among the largest U.S.
agricultural exports to Italy. Italian wheat imports from the U.S.
primarily consist of high-quality durum wheat used to produce pasta. In
2002, durum wheat imports from the United States totaled \$51 million.
In 2003, unfavorable weather conditions and reduced plantings are
expected to push Italian wheat imports even higher. These factors, in
addition to the depreciation of the dollar and growing Italian pasta
exports, could benefit U.S. wheat exporters.

Italy has a long tradition in woodworking and manufacturing products
made from hardwood and softwood. The Italian wood industry imports 80
percent of the raw materials used for manufacturing finished products,
which are then re-exported. U.S. wood export opportunities exist for
species not readily available in Europe. These include high-grade
hardwood, mainly tulip wood, red alder and white and red oak, as well as
other species such as ash, cherry and hard maple. Italian manufacturers
are very receptive to working with new U.S. hardwood species. In 2002,
U.S. hardwood lumber exports to Italy totaled nearly \$82 million.
Well-established grading rules, efficient shipment and reliable delivery
schedules from the U.S. are perceived as advantages. Italy is expected
to continue importing U.S. wood products, although competition from
low-cost East European suppliers is likely to increase.

Italy is the world's fifth largest importer of seafood products. With a
population of approximately 58 million, Italy has an annual per capita
consumption of about 23 kg of fish and seafood. Italy imports nearly
\$2.7 billion of fish and seafood products annually, with half of its
seafood imports coming from EU member states, particularly Spain. Last
year, Italy imported more than \$47 million in seafood products from the
United States.

As the consumption of fish and seafood in Italy is expected to continue
to rise, opportunities exist in the supply of fish, especially tuna, and
seafood for the canning industry. In addition, the Italian retail sector
will look for frozen fish fillets such as hake, cod and plaice to meet
the demand for convenient, ready-to-prepare products. Peeled and
processed shrimp would do well in the Italian market. The growing
consumption of frozen seafood will provide good opportunities for
exporters of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. U.S. exporters of lobster
will find continued opportunities in Italy\'s seafood sector. Unable to
meet its increasing demand for lobster, Italy relies heavily on its
three largest foreign suppliers of lobster: the United States, Canada,
and Spain. In addition to peeled and processed shrimp, opportunities
exist to supply a wide range of processed food products to the market,
including canned fruit and vegetables, frozen prepared food, sweet
snacks and bakery items.

## Agricultural Exports and Imports

**Leading U.S. Agricultural Exports to Italy in 2002**

(\$1000 U.S. dollars) (Source U.S. Bico Report)

Wheat \$117,140

Soybeans \$ 86,939

Hardwood Lumber \$ 81,936

Hides and Skins \$ 79,960

Tree nuts \$ 59,174

Fish and Seafood \$ 47,116

Planting Seeds \$ 34,696

Logs and Chips \$ 32,500

###### Tobacco \$ 26,476

Panel Products (including Plywood) \$ 26,377

# Leading Italian Agricultural Exports to the United States in 2002

(\$1000 U.S. dollars) (Source U.S. Bico Report)

Wine \$786,002

###### Vegetable and Olive oils \$331,014

Cheese \$165,310

Value Added Wood Products \$ 86,588

Snack Foods and Chocolate \$ 83,166

# Tables and Statistics

Key Trade & Demographic Information

Italy 2002

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Agricultural, Fish and Forestry   | U.S. Market Share:                |
| Imports from the World            |                                   |
|                                   | 0.21                              |
| 26,908,740 (\$1000)               |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Con                            | U.S. Market Share:                |
| sumer Food Imports from the World |                                   |
|                                   | 0.04                              |
| 10,935,290 (\$1000)               |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ## Edib                           | U.S. Market Share:                |
| le Fishery Imports from the World |                                   |
|                                   | 0.08                              |
| 2,808,050 (\$1000)                |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Population:                       | Population Growth rate:           |
|                                   |                                   |
| 57,998,353 (July 2003 est.)       | 0.11% (2003 est.)                 |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Major City Centers: (13)          | Total Rural Population:           |
|                                   |                                   |
| Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin,       | 48 Million                        |
| Palermo, Genoa, Bologna,          |                                   |
| Florence, Catania, Bari, Venice,  |                                   |
| Messina and Verona                |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Gross National Product 2002:      | Per Capita Income:                |
|                                   |                                   |
| \$1.1 Trillion USED               | \$18,600                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Unemployment Rate:                | Percentage of Female Population   |
|                                   | Employed:                         |
| 8.8 percent                       |                                   |
|                                   | 38%                               |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Exchange Rate: EURO to US Dollar  | The Average EURO to US Dollar     |
|                                   | exchange rate for 2002 was 0.967  |
| September 2002 to September 2003  |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Min = 0.9735 (18 Oct 2002) to a   |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Max = 1.1901 (27 May 2003)        |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Source: European Central Bank     |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Source: FAS' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the United
Nations Statistical Office

**Consumer Oriented Products**

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Reporting**   |                 | **Import**      |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Country:**    |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Italy**       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| World           | 2000            | 2001            | 2002            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 1000\$          | 1000\$          | 1000\$          |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ##              | 10,424,060      | 10,784,653      | 11.085.927      |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Source: FAS' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the United
Nations Statistical Office

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Reporting**   |                 | **Import**      |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Country:**    |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Italy**       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| United States   | 2000            | 2001            | 2002            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 1000\$          | 1000\$          | 1000\$          |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 107,864         | 112,845         | 108,255         |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Source: FAS' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the United
Nations Statistical Office

## Fish and Seafood Products

## 

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Reporting**   |                 | **Import**      |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Country:**    |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Italy**       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| United States   | 2000            | 2001            | 2002            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 1000\$          | 1000\$          | 1000\$          |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 49,980          | 46,411          | 43,738          |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Source: FAS' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the United
Nations Statistical Office

## 

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Reporting**   |                 | **Import**      |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Country:**    |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| **Italy**       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| World           | 2000            | 2001            | 2002            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 1000\$          | 1000\$          | 1000\$          |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 2,476,279       | 2,767,097       | 2,849,002       |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

Source: FAS' Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the United
Nations Statistical Office

## Top Suppliers of Edible Fishery Products

  ---------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------
  Reporting: Italy - Top 15 Ranking  Import        Import     Import

                                     2000          2001       2002

                                     Value         Value      Value

                                     1000\$        1000\$     1000\$

                                                              

  Spain                              402732        502746     525641

  Denmark                            285034        292621     272389

  Netherlands                        238135        255254     251735

  France                             178865        195800     202583

  Greece                             125561        109615     115070

  Argentina                          81799         111549     108533

  Morocco                            78166         90380      99806

  United Kingdom                     94029         93049      91241

  Germany                            96847         98737      90418

  Thailand                           64321         65850      83326

  Ecuador                            54010         67265      78903

  Senegal                            49966         46931      76676

  Sweden                             48425         73711      72467

  South Africa                       53863         50964      60122

  Colombia                           46037         38547      54386

  Other                              578485        674067     665718

  World                              2476279       2767097    2849002
  ---------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------

## Top Suppliers of Consumer Foods

  ---------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------
  CONSUMER-ORIENTED AGRICULTURAL     Import        Import     Import
  TOTAL - 400                                                 

  Reporting: Italy - Top 15 Ranking  2000          2001       2002

                                     Value         Value      Value

                                     1000\$        1000\$     1000\$

                                                              

  Germany                            2475430       2640280    2675878

  France                             1885312       1801476    1881440

  Netherlands                        1528601       1504370    1483415

  Spain                              837340        831250     901451

  Belgium                            570352        642872     634816

  Austria                            526533        553962     582909

  Denmark                            426026        498956     460656

  United Kingdom                     219507        199368     198096

  Turkey                             127484        149024     180044

  Ecuador                            111114        119103     176184

  Switzerland                        145405        154262     154150

  Ireland                            179679        114767     144262

  Greece                             119241        125161     138581

  China (Peoples Republic of)        105223        121362     132286

  Brazil                             110663        132123     129216

  Other                              1056105       1196334    1212589

  World                              10424060      10784653   11085927
  ---------------------------------- ------------- ---------- ------------

Source: FAS Office Global Agricultural Trade System using data from the
United Nations Statistical

# Major Italian Food and Agricultural Trade Shows

DISCLAIMER

The promotional activities listed are provided for informational
purposes only. No endorsement should be implied unless specifically
stated. Terms and conditions of participation are the responsibility of
the activity organizer.

Following is a listing of major Italian trade shows for 2003-2005. The
purpose of this listing is to inform U.S. companies in the agricultural,
fishery and forest product sectors of potential export opportunities to
Italy, and upcoming trade events.

The promotional activities listed are provided for informational
purposes only. No endorsement should be implied unless specifically
stated. Terms and conditions of participation are the responsibility of
the activity organizer and participant. Please note that dates are
subject to change during the course of the year.

**WINE AND SPIRITS**

Name of Event: VINITALY 2004

*USDA Endorsed Show!*

*United States of America Wine Pavilion*

Location: Verona, Italy

Date: April 1-5, 2004

Type of Show: International Wine and Spirits Show

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Veronafiere

Website: www.veronafiere.it

Tel: (011) (39) 045 829 8178

Fax: (011) (39) 045 829 8174

Description:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service
invites the American wine industry to showcase their diverse and unique
wines in the USA Pavilion at VINITALY 2004 in Verona, Italy, April 1-5,
2004. VINITALY, held annually, is the world's largest international wine
and spirit show where industry professionals, hotel and restaurant
sector representatives, and the international press come to meet the
wineries, find out about their products, and buy.

VINITALY 2003 welcomed over 3,856 exhibitors from 26 countries, and
attracted 128,467 visitors from 82 countries. The VINITALY press office
accredited over 2,000 journalists from 50 different countries.

VINITALY offers a great opportunity for the American wine industry to
showcase their diverse and unique wines; to meet not only the Italian
trade, but the large number of international visitors and trade members,
to educate the European consumer and press about the characteristics of
wine regions of America; to study the latest trends; to analyze and
discuss the newest technologies; to enter the European market.

Exhibiting in the USA Pavilion at VINITALY 2004 will provide U.S.
exporters and distributors with a cost-effective, hassle-free way to
promote your products with a choice of furnished booth packages in a
fully integrated sales and marketing platform.

For more information on this USDA-endorsed event, please call Sharon
Cook at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FAS Trade Show Office at
202-720-3425, e-mail <Sharon.Cook@usda.gov> or Dana Biasetti,
Agricultural Marketing Specialist, FAS Rome, Italy, at (011) (39) (06)
4674 2396, e-mail Dana.Biasetti@usda.gov.

**FOREST PRODUCTS**

Name of Event: ABITARE IL TEMPO

Location: Verona, Italy

Date: September 16-20, 2004

Type of show: Furniture and Interior Decorating Products

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Verona Fiere

Website: www.veronafiere.it

Tel: (011) (39) 045 829 8178

Fax: (011) (39) 045 829 8174

Name of Event: Quadrum SACA

Location: Bologna, Italy

Date: February 19-22, 2004

Type of show: Moldings, Frames, Picture Frames, and Accessories

and Technology

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Bologna Fiere

Piazza Costituzione 6

40128 Bologna

Tel. (011) (39) 051 282111

Fax: (011) (39) 051 282332

Website: www.smart.it

Name of Event: SAIEDUE

Location: Bologna, Italy

Date: March 18-22, 2004

Type of show: Interior architecture, building renewal, technologies and
finishing

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Bologna Fiere

Piazza Costituzione 6

40128 Bologna

Tel. (011) (39) 051 282111

Fax: (011) (39) 051 282332

Website: www.smart.it/saiedue

Name of Event: SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: April 14-19, 2004

Type of show: Furniture, kitchens, and office furnishings

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Cosmit

Corso Magenta 96

20123 Milan

Italy

Tel. (011) (39) 02 725941

Fax: (011) (39) 02 89011563

Website: www.cosmit.it

Name of Event: LEGNO & EDILIZIA

Location: Verona, Italy

Date: February 19-23, 2004

Type of show: Wood & Construction

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Verona Fiere

Website**:** www.pmtexpo.it/legno

Tel: (011) (39) 045 829 8178

Fax: (011) (39) 045 829 8174

Name of Event: SALONE DELLA SEDIA

Location: Udine, Italy

Date: September 10-13, 2004

Type of show: International Chair Fair

Frequency: Annual

Website: www.promosedia.it

Name of Event: SASMIL

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: May 26‑30, 2004

Type of show: International Exhibition of Accessories and Semi-

finished Products for the Furniture Industry

Frequency: Biannual

Organizer Cosmit

Corso Magenta 96

20123 Milan

Italy

Tel. (011) (39) 02 725941

Fax: (011) (39) 02 89011563

Website: www.cosmit.it

Name of Event: XYLEXPO

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: May 26-30, 2004

Type of show: World exhibition for wood working technologies

Frequency: Biannual

Website: www.xylexpo.it

Description:

Italy offers numerous wood product shows, which span the construction
industry, furniture, manufacturing and interior design. The shows listed
offer an opportunity for the promotion of both hard and soft U.S. woods
for a variety of applications, moldings, structural wood, doors,
furniture and others. The target audience for these shows includes:
importers, distributors, wholesalers, brokers, buyers and the general
public.

**SPECIALTY FOOD**

Name of Event: CHEESE 2003

Location: Bra, Italy

Date: September 2005

Type of Show: Specialty International Cheese Show

Frequency: Biannual

Organizer: Slow Food Italia

Tel: (011) (39) 0172 436711

Fax: (011) (39) 0172 411299

Website: www.slowfood.com

Name of Event: SALONE DEL GUSTO

Location: Turin, Italy

Date: 21-25 October 2004

Type of Show: Food & beverage

Frequency: Biannual

Organizer: Slow Food Italia

Tel: (011) (39) 0172 436711

Fax: (011) (39) 0172 411299

Website: www.slowfood.com

Name of Event: CIBUS

Location: Parma, Italy

Date: November 6-9, 2003

Type of Show: Food & beverage

Frequency: Biannual

Organizer: Fiere di Parma

Website: www.fiere.parma.it

Name of Event: FIERA AGRICOLA/Agritech

Location: Verona, Italy

Date: March 3-7, 2004

Type of Show: Gourmet Foods

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Verona Fiere

Website: www.veronafiere.it

Tel: (011) (39) 045 829 8178

Fax: (011) (39) 045 829 8174

Description:

Italy offers a variety of small to medium sized trade shows and fairs
that specialize in quality food products. Some of the better known shows
are: Salone del Gusto (Slow Food Italia international gourmet food
show), Expo Food (gourmet food show), and CIBUS (International gourmet
food show). The target audience for these shows includes: Italian retail
product sector buyers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, brokers,
supermarket buyers, hotel and restaurant industry executives, and food
journalists. These shows are a great opportunity to present U.S. food as
being gourmet and quality.

####### SEAFOOD

Name of Event: MEDITERRANEAN SEAFOOD SHOW (MIA)

Location: Rimini, Italy

Date: 31 January to 3 February 2004

Type of show: International Seafood show

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Ente Fiera di Rimini

Via della Fiera, 52-C.P. 300

47037 Rimini

Tel. (011) (39) 541 711711

Fax: (011) (39) 541 786686

Website: www.fierarimini.it

Name of Event: SEAFOOD MEDITERRANEO

NEW -- First Edition

Location: Verona, Italy

Date: October 15-17, 2003

Type of show: International Seafood show

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Veronafiere

Tel: (011) (39) 045 829 8178

Fax: (011) (39) 045 829 8174

Website: www.veronafiere.it

####### HIDES, SKINS AND FUR

Name of event: LINEAPELLE

Type of show: Hides and Skins

Location: Bologna, Italy

Dates: November 5-7, 2003

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: AREAPELLE

Tel: (011) (39) 02 8807711

Fax: (011) (39) 02 860032

E-mail: lineapelle@unic.it

Website: www.lineapelle-fair.it

Name of event: MIPEL

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: March 20-23, 2003

Type of show: Leather goods

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Aimpes-Mipel

Tel: (011) (39) 02 584511

Fax: (011) (39) 02 58451320

Website: www.mipel.com

Name of event: MIFUR 2004

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: March 19-23, 2004

Type of show: Leather goods and fur

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: Ente Fieristico MIFUR

Corso Venezia 51

20121 Milan

Tel: (011) (39) 02 76003315

Fax: (011) (39) 02 76022024

E-mail: mifur@wms.it

Description:

MIPEL, LINEAPELLE and MIFUR are three of Italy's largest and most well
attended hide,

skin and fur trade shows. Italy is a large consumer of quality hides and
fur, both for

national consumption and international export of finished products. The
target audience for

these shows include: Italian retail buyers, importers, distributors,
wholesalers, brokers,

fashion designers and journalists.

**TEXTILES (WOOL/COTTON**)

Name of Event: MODA IN/INTERTEX

Location: Milan, Italy

Date: February 10-12, 2003

Type of show: Textiles - Cotton, Wool and Silk

Frequency: Annual

Organizer: S.I.TEX

Viale Sarca 223

20126 Milan

Tel: (011) (39) 02 66103820

Fax: (011) (39) 02 66103844

E-mail: moda_in@iol.it

Website: [www.fieramodain.it](http://www.fieramodain.it/)

Name of Event: PITTI IMMAGINE FILATI

Location: Florence, Italy

Dates: July 2-4, 2003

Type of show: Textile & yarn

Frequency: Twice a year

Organizer: Pitti Immagine

Via Faenza 109

50100 Firenze

Tel. (011) (39) 055 36931

Fax: (011) (39) 055 3693200

# 

Description:

The Italian fashion industry is a large consumer of quality textiles,
and Pitti

Imagine and Moda In/Intertex offers the finest selection of textiles in
Italy. The

target audience for these shows include: Italian retail buyers,
importers,

distributors, wholesalers, brokers, fashion designers and journalists.

# 

######## PET FOOD

Name of Event: ZOOMARK

Location: Bologna, Italy

Dates: April 2005

Type of show: International Pet Food and Supplies

Frequency: Biannual

Organizer: Bologna Fiere

Piazza Costituzione 6

40128 Bologna

Tel. (011) (39) 051 282111

Fax: (011) (39) 051 282332

# 

Description:

Zoomark Pet and Pet Food Show is Italy\'s largest pet products
exhibition with 602

exhibitors, and Europe\'s second largest. This biannual show will take
place in Bologna in April 2005 and will host a USA Pavilion.

## USDA FAS Contacts in Rome, Italy

U.S. travelers to Italy seeking appointments with U.S. Foreign
Agriculture Service officials at Embassy Rome should contact the office
at:

Office of Agricultural Affairs,

American Embassy

Via Veneto 119, Rome, 00187, Italy

Tel: (011) (39) 06 4674 2396

Fax: (011) (39) 06 4788 7008

Website: [www.usembassy.it/agtrade/](http://www.usembassy.it/agtrade/)

E-mail: <agrome2001@yahoo.com>

agrome@usda.gov

Lisa Hardy-Bass

Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs

<lisa.hardy-bass@usda.gov>

Ann Murphy

Agricultural Attaché

<ann.murphy@usda.gov>

Dana Biasetti

Agricultural Marketing Specialist

<dana.biasetti@usda.gov>

## Calendar of Italian Holidays

Italian holidays must be taken into account when planning a business
itinerary. July and August are not good months for conducting business
in Italy since most businesses are closed for vacation during this
period. The same is true during the Christmas and New Year period.
Italian commercial holidays are listed below and are when most
commercial offices and banks are closed. Certain other days are
celebrated as holidays within local jurisdictions. Italian holidays are
also observed by the U.S. Embassy and should be considered when
telephoning or visiting the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service staff.
When an Italian holiday falls on a Saturday, offices and stores are
closed.

Listed below are Italian holidays for 2004:

January 6, Tuesday Epiphany

April 12, Monday Easter Monday

April 25, Sunday Anniversary of the Liberation

May 1, Saturday Labor Day

June 2, Wednesday Foundation of the Italian Republic

August 15, Sunday Assumption Day

November 1, Monday All Saints' Day

December 8, Wednesday Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 26, Sunday St. Stephen's Day

Patron Saint Days are observed by the following cities:

## 

Milan: December 7, 2004, Saturday, St. Ambrogio's Day

Florence & Genoa: June 24, 2004, Monday, St. John\'s Day

Rome: June 29, 2004, Saturday, St. Peter and St. Paul's Day

Palermo: July 15, 2004, Monday, St. Rosalia\'s Day

Naples: Sept. 19, 2004, Thursday, St. Gennaro's Day

## 

## Key Italian Government Agencies

Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali

(Ministry of Agriculture)

Via XX Settembre 20

00187 Roma

Tel: +39-06-4884293

Fax: +39-06-4814628

www.politicheagricole.it

Ministero della Sanita'

(Ministry of Health)

Piazzale Marconi 25

Palazzo Italia

00144 Eur-Roma

Tel: +39-06-5996966

Fax: +39-06-59946217

http://www.sanita.it/aliment

Ministero delle Economia e delle Finanze

(Ministry of Treasury)

Agenzia delle Dogane

(Customs Agency)

Via M. Carucci 71

00143 Roma

Tel. +39-06-50241

www.tesoro.it

www.finanze.it

Istituto per il Commercio Estero

(Italian Trade Commission)

Via Liszt 21

00144 Roma (EUR)

Tel: +39-06-59921

Fax: +39-06-5422-0066

www.ice.it

ice@ice.it

Associazione Italiana Allevatori

(Breeders)

Dr. Bonizzi, Director

Via Tomassetti 9/11

00161 Roma

Tel: +39-06-854-511

Fax: +39-06-4424-9286

http://www.aia.it

info@aia.it

Associazione Italiana Industria Olearia

(Veg Oil)

Giorgio Cilenti, Director General

Piazza Campitelli 3

00186 Roma

Tel: +39-06-6994-0058

Fax: +39-06-6994-0118

http://www.foodarea.it/associazioni/assitol

assitol.it@iol.it

A.I.S.

(Seed Industry Assoc)

Dino Barin, President

Piazza della Costituzione 8, Galleria del Reno, Scala C

40128 Bologna

Tel: +39-051-850-3881

Fax: +39-051-355-166

www.sementi.it

aisbo@tin.it

Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Bovini della Razza Bruna

(Brown Swiss Breeders)

Giuseppe Santus, Director

Localita Ferlina 204

37012 Bussolengo (VR)

Tel & Fax: +39-030-364-280

anarb@anarb.it

[http://www.anarb.it](http://www.anarb.it/)

Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Razza Frisona Italiana

(Holstein Frisian Breeders)

Enrico Santus, Director

Via Bergamo 292 21626 Cremona

Tel: +39-045-6706-0111

Fax: +39-045-7156-655

www.anafi.it

anafi@anafi.it

Associazione Nazionale Allevatori Suini

(Swine Breeders)

Lucca Buttazzoni

Via L. Spallanzani 4/6

00161 Roma

Tel: +39-06-4417-061

Fax: +39-06-4417-638

http://www.anas.it

anas@anas.it

Associazione Nazionale Cerealisti

(Grain Traders)

Lorenzo Fineschi, Director

Via Po 102

00198 Roma

Tel: +39-06-841-6554

Fax: +39-06-884-0877

cerealisti@confcommercio.it

ASSALZOO

(Compound Feed)

Emilio Minetti, Director

Via Lovanio 6

100198 Roma

Tel. & Fax: +39-06-854-1641

www.assalzoo.it

assalzoo@iol.it

ANEIOA

(National Importers/Exporters Horticultural Association)

Giuseppe Calcagni, President

Via Sabotino 46

00195 Roma

Tel: +39-06-3751-5147

Fax: +39-06-372-3569

http://web.tin.it/aneioa

ANIPO

((National Importers/Exporters Horticultural Association)

Fausto Ratto, Secretary General

Largo Brindisi 5

00182 Roma

Tel: +39-06-7726-401

Fax: +39-06-700-4428

anipo0@confcommercio.it

FEDERCOMLEGNO

(Wood Trade Federation)

Maurizio Colella, President

Via Toscana 10

00187 Roma

Tel: +39-06-4200-681

Fax: +39-06-4201-2236

www.federlegno.it/associazioni/fedecomlegno

<federconlegno@confcommercio.it>

FEDERAGROALIMENTARE

Francesco De Leo

Via Gigli d\'Oro 21

00186 Roma

Tel: +39-06-689-341

Fax: +39-06-689-3409

Federagroalimentare@confcooperative.it

Deleo.f@confcooperative.it

FEDERVINI

(Wine Trade Assoc)

Federico Castellucci, Director

Via Mentana 2B

00185 Roma

Tel: +39-06-4469-421

Fax: +39-06-494-1566

www.federalimentare.it

federvini@federvini.it

ITALMOPA

(Millers Assoc)

Fabrizio Vitali, Deputy President

Via Crociferi 44

00187 Roma

Tel: +39-06-678-5409

Fax: +39-06-6783-054

www.italmopa.it

italmopa@italmopa.it

UNA

(Poultry Union)

Rita Pasquarelli, Director General

Via V. Mariano 58

00189 Roma

Tel: +39-06-3325-841

Fax: +39-06-3325-2427

www.unionenaizonaleavicoltura.it

UNAPROL

(Olive Oil Producers Assoc)

Raniero Filo della Torre, Director

Via Rocca di Papa 12

00179 Roma

Tel: +39-06-784-6901

Fax: +39-06-7834-4373

unaprol@unaprol.it

UNICEB

(Livestock Meat Traders)

Renzo Fossato, President

Viale dei Campioni 13

00144 Roma

Tel: +39-06-592-1241

Fax: +39-06-592-1478

uniceb@confcommercio.it

UNIPI

(Pasta Traders Assoc)

Giuseppe Menconi, President

Via Po 102

00198 Roma

Tel: +39-06-854-3291

Fax: +39-06-841-5132

www.unipi-pasta.it

inof.unipi@unipi-past.it