Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 09/30/2005

**GAIN Report Number:** IT5035

IT5035

###### Italy

**Exporter Guide**

**Annual**

**2005**

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Robin Gray

U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Dana Biasetti

**Report Highlights:** This report offers U.S. companies interested in
exporting food and agricultural products to Italy an overview of the
country\'s economic situation, market structure, and export
requirements, including best product export opportunities.

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Rome \[IT1\]

\[IT\]

Table of Contents

[Section I. Market Overview 3](#section-i.-market-overview)

*Macro Economic Situation and Key Demographic Trends*

*Italian Importers and Retailers*

*Advantages and Challenges to U.S. Exporters in Italy*

[Section II. Exporter Business Tips
4](#section-ii.-exporter-business-tips)

*Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards*

[Section III. Market Sector Structure and Trends
5](#section-iii.-market-sector-structure-and-trends)

*The Italian Retail Food Sector*

########  The Italian Hotel and Restaurant Industry

[Section IV. Best Prospects fo U.S. Agricultural
Exports](#__RefHeading___Toc85864175) 6

*Best Products*

########  Leading Italian Agricultural Exports to the United States in 2004

*Leading U.S. Agricultural Exports to Italy in 2004*

*Key Trade and Demographic Information - Italy 2004*

*Consumer Oriented Products*

*Fish and Seafood Products*

*Italy Imports of Edible Fishery Products*

*Italy Imports of Consumer Oriented Agricultural Products*

*Italian Trade Shows*

[Section V. Key Contacts
11](#key-italian-government-agencies-and-associations-1)

*USDA FAS Contacts in Italy*

########  Key Italian Government Agencies and Associations

# Section I. Market Overview

####### Macro Economic Situation & Key Demographic Trends

Italy is one of the largest agricultural producer member states in the
European Union. Its major trading partners in food and agricultural
products are EU member states, with neighboring France and Germany each
accounting for roughly a fifth of Italy\'s trade. Italy\'s major exports
are wine, olive oil, cheeses, and fruits and vegetables. Italian
perception of the place and role of Italian food in the global
marketplace ties into the issue of protected designations of origin, or
geographic indications, which represent only a small fraction of the
value of total food production yet loom large in Italy\'s national
marketing of its food exports as \'high quality and Italian".

On balance, Italy is a net importer of agricultural products. In 2004,
Italy\'s annual imports were valued at \$43 billion and exports were
valued at almost \$30 billion. Italy relies on agricultural imports for
food or fiber manufacturing, processing, or repackaging, and subsequent
export as value added, consumer ready exports. With the major exception
of wine grapes, and a few other products including tomatoes and buffalo
milk for mozzarella, Italy\'s food industries turn out finished,
consumer-ready products using raw products from non-Italian sources.\
\
Because the export market drives the Italian food processing sector, the
economic performance of the world market, and particularly the economic
performance of Germany and other northern neighbors, heavily influence
Italian business performance. Outside the EU, where Italy competes in
global food markets, the weak dollar and strong euro have continued to
exert pressure on Italian food export prospects. The notable exception
is the U.S. where Italian wine sales continue to grow in spite of the
\'expensive\' euro.

The EU-25 supplied 68 percent of Italy\'s global food and forestry
imports in 2004. Italy\'s exports of wine dominate its food export
profile, followed by pasta and fruits and vegetables. Italy is Europe\'s
largest producer of organic fruits and vegetables.\
\
According to U.S. Census data in 2004, Italy imported \$763 million of
U.S. agricultural products. The U.S. share is approximately 2 percent of
Italy\'s agricultural imports, including forestry products. The United
States is a supplier of high quality wheat for the pasta and
confectionery industry, of fish and seafood, and a wide assortment of
other foods. Although Italy is deficit in beef and poultry, the U.S. is
hampered by EU imposed restrictions on U.S. exports of these meats.
Therefore, the United States exports only limited quantities of meats,
including horsemeat, wild boar, and game to Italy.

In 2004, major Italian imports of U.S. products were; wheat valued at
\$100 million (durum and bread wheat), hard and soft woods at \$180
million, tree nuts at \$22 million, fishery and sea food products at
\$56 million; seeds for planting at \$32 million; tobacco at \$20
million and pet food at \$9.7 million. The wood sector and the pasta
industry illustrate Italy\'s role as an importer of raw or semi-finished
goods and an exporter of finished products. Italy\'s wood resources are
meager, but it has a robust woodworking and furniture industry that was
the main user in 2004 of \$180 million in imported U.S. wood, most of
which was manufactured and subsequently exported. Another example is
pasta manufacturing. Italian farmers produce approximately 4 million
metric tons of durum wheat annually and Italy imports another 2 million
tons of durum, of which, in a typical year, 400,000 tons are of US
origin, mostly for the manufacture of pasta. In terms of all types of
wheat imports, the quantity varies annually but reached a record high of
7 million tons in the crop year 2003/2004. Worldwide, Italy exported
\$1.2 billion of pasta in 2004 (1,472,000 tons).\
\
There are several other products important to U.S. suppliers that appear
in Italy\'s export profile as finished goods, such as leather goods and
textiles. U.S. exports to Italy of hides and skins in 2004 (worth \$50
million) became Italian shoes and leather goods; and U.S. exports of
cotton totaling \$25 million were used in the Italian textile industry.

####### Italian Importers and Retailers

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

Processed food is primarily distributed through retail grocers,
convenience stores and discount grocers. Italian retail chain outlets
have started to make their own purchasing decisions. (For more
information on the Italian Retail Sector, please refer to Post's GAIN
Report IT5005.)

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

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ###### *Advantages*               | ***Challenges***                  |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Imports of consumer oriented      | Increasing competition from EU    |
| agricultural products have        | origin imported foods. Some       |
| increased drastically in the past | importers and distributors are    |
| four years, and are expected to   | not aware of the variety and      |
| further increase in the years to  | innovative U.S. food products     |
| come.                             | that can be exported to meet      |
|                                   | Italian needs. U.S. meats are     |
|                                   | excluded from the market.         |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| U.S. products are viewed as       | Educate the catering sector       |
| "trendy, new and innovative",     | representatives about the high    |
| especially those with added       | quality, variety and availability |
| benefits of health and lifestyle. | of U.S. food products. U.S.       |
|                                   | exporters need to focus on        |
|                                   | innovative products to entice     |
|                                   | Italian importers and buyers.     |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The exchange rate between the     | Price factor is determinant when  |
| dollar and euro favors U.S.       | choosing food products, and U.S.  |
| exports. Also, Italy being a      | exporters must conform to         |
| member of the Euro zone eases     | often-difficult Italian/European  |
| market entry.                     | standards and regulations.        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Italians are traveling more,      | Competition in the Italian food   |
| becoming aware of foreign         | market is fierce and many         |
| cuisines. Also the growing        | consumers still have a preference |
| foreign population in Italy is    | for traditional Italian products. |
| increasing the demand for ethnic  |                                   |
| cuisine.                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# 

# Section II. Exporter Business Tips

####### Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards

As a member of the European Union (EU), the Common Agricultural Policy
(CAP) governs Italy's agricultural sector. Similarly, Italy employs the
same tariffs and border measures as the other EU member states. Product
imported into Italy must meet all Italian and EU food safety and quality
standards, as well as Italian labeling and packaging regulations.
However, where an EU standard may not exist, Italy sets its own national
requirements. It is important to work with experienced importers, and/or
have an agent to work with Italian regulatory authorities to ensure the
acceptability of specific products. Personal relationships and language
ability are of value when conducting business transactions. 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.
(For more information on Product Trade Restrictions, Food Standards and
Regulations, please refer to Post's FAIRS GAIN Report IT4014 and the EU
FAIRS GAIN Report E34054.)

# Section III. Market Sector Structure and Trends

####### 

####### The Italian Retail Food Sector

Italians spend 20% of their disposable income on food. In 2004 consumer
spending fell drastically, with an average Italian family spending
approximately \$ 3,100 a month on food, while total retail sales at \$
366,766 million. In Italy there are 1.5 million foreign residents and
food retail outlets have started to cater to these consumers with more
foreign and ethnic foods, but these offerings remain small in the face
of traditional Italian cuisine. Continuing societal tendencies toward
smaller families, later marriages, and an increasing number of women in
the workforce are resulting in food retail outlets offering more ready-
made, ready-to-serve products and a wider range of products. Italian
households still prefer fresh rather than frozen and frozen to canned
food, as shopping frequency is greater in Italy than in many other
European markets.

There are 7,000 food retail outlets in Italy, and over 50% of Italy\'s
supermarkets, hypermarkets, and shopping malls are located in the North
of Italy, while the south lags with fewer large retail outlets and an
underdeveloped distribution network. Italian food retailing remains
highly fragmented, especially in the South, which is still home to more
than 70,000 traditional shops, accounting for 12% of food sales. Large
retailers are starting to source products from buying groups who can
ensure better deals with suppliers. Most large food retailers have
joined buying groups to increase their leverage when dealing with
suppliers.

Although buying groups are largely the precinct of large chain food
retailers, independent retailers have started to understand their value.

####### The Italian Hotel and Restaurant Industry

Every year more than 80 million tourists visit Italy, making it the
world\'s fourth most attractive tourist destination. The Italian Hotel
and Restaurant Industry (HRI) sector is a lucrative and growing sector
(it is the second largest in the world after the United States);
however, it is also diverse and fragmented. The HRI is dominated by many
small establishments, with only 6% of the over 33,411 hotels belonging
to international hotel chains. According to ISTAT, Italys' National
Statistical Institute, in 2004 over 60 billion EUROS were spent outside
of the home on food (representing 34% of national food expenditure.)

Most imported food products enter the Italian market through brokers or
specialized traders. Imported products from North America often enter
Italy indirectly via the Netherlands\' Port of Rotterdam or directly by
air. Wholesalers are the main customers for fish and seafood products,
as they purchase and distribute to numerous small restaurants and
hotels. Most of the processed food and raw material sourcing decisions
are made directly by the restaurant chef and/or hotel Food Purchasing
Director. Restaurants, hotels and catering companies tend to rely on
importers, wholesalers and food manufacturers, while trattorias and
pizzerias purchase directly from large retail food outlets. While there
are Category Associations for the HRI sector, every establishment
operates independently when it comes to sourcing decisions. (For further
information on the Italian HRI Sector please refer to Post's GAIN Report

IT5013)

####### Section IV.

####### Best Prospects for U.S. Agricultural Exports

U.S. bulk and intermediate commodities are used as ingredients or inputs
for value-added Italian products re-exported. North American
high-quality durum wheat, for example, is used to produce pasta. Italy
is the world's fifth largest importer of seafood products, with an
annual per capita consumption of almost 23 kg of fish and seafood. Last
year Italy imported from the United States \$55.8 million in seafood
products. Opportunities exist in the supply of fish, especially tuna,
seafood for the canning industry, frozen fish fillets such as hake, cod
and plaice to meet the demand for convenient, ready-to-prepare products,
peeled and processed shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, octopus and lobster.
(For more information on the Italian Fishery market please see Post's
GAIN Report IT4036 and Post's GAIN Report IT4032 for more information on
the Italian Lobster Market.) Opportunities also exist for fruit berries,
condiments, fruit juices, and tree nuts, all sectors that have seen
growth in recent years.

***Best Products***

*Annual Imports from the United States to Italy*

*(Thousands of US \$)*

  ---------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
  *Product*        ***2001***    ***2002***    ***2003***    ***2004***

  *Wine *          1,021         1,091         1,233         10,425 

  ***Fruit         592           547           442           602 
  Juice ***                                                  

  ***Horse         1,951         1,375         2,322         2,582 
  meat ***                                                   

  ***Plants ***    968           828           728           1,139 

  ***Raisins ***   245           124           212           240 

  ***Seafood ***   42,297        43,506        48,608        55,837 

  ***Tree nuts *** 52,110        57,302        94,154        140,163 

  ***Wheat ***     166,104       157,783       170,910       200,895 
  ---------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

***Source:*** *BICO*

# Leading Italian Agricultural Exports to the United States in 2004 

*(Thousands of US \$)*

***Wine & Beer*** \$ 978,000

***Vegetable and Olive oils*** \$ 510,000

***Cheese*** \$ 223,000

***Snack Foods and Chocolate*** \$ 103,000

***Red Meats, prepared/preserved*** \$ 41,000

***Processed Fruit & Vegetables*** \$ 30,000

***Roasted Instant Coffee*** \$ 26,000

***Source:*** *BICO*

# Leading U.S. Agricultural Exports to Italy in 2004

*(Thousands of US \$)*

***Tree nuts*** \$126,400

***Wheat*** \$ 94,200

***Fish & Seafood*** \$ 57,000

***Hides and Skin*** \$ 50,000

***Planting Seeds*** \$ 32,400

***Cotton*** \$ 25,400

***Source:*** *BICO*

***Key Trade & Demographic Information - Italy 2004***

(Thousands of US \$)

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Agricultural Imports from the    | *Agricultural Imports from the    |
| World*                            | U.S.*                             |
|                                   |                                   |
| 32,944,746                        | 697,522                           |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ######## Con                      | *U.S. Market Share:*              |
| sumer Food Imports from the World |                                   |
|                                   | 1 percent                         |
| 13,817                            |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ######## Edib                     | *U.S. Market Share:*              |
| le Fishery Imports from the World |                                   |
|                                   | 1 percent                         |
| 3,471                             |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ######## Population               | *Population Growth rate:*         |
|                                   |                                   |
| 58 million                        | 0.1%                              |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Major City Centers: (13)*        | *Total Rural Population:*         |
|                                   |                                   |
| Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin,       | 48 Million                        |
| Palermo, Genoa, Bologna,          |                                   |
| Florence, Catania, Bari, Venice,  |                                   |
| Messina and Verona                |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Gross Domestic Product 2004:*    | *Per Capita Income:*              |
|                                   |                                   |
| \$1.5 trillion U.S. dollars       | \$25,000                          |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| *Unemployment Rate:*              | *Percentage of Female Population  |
|                                   | Employed:*                        |
| 9 percent                         |                                   |
|                                   | 28 percent                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ########                          |                                   |
|  Exchange Rate: US Dollar to EURO |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Average 2001: \$1.00 = €1.117     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Average 2002: \$1.00 = €1.100     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Average 2003: \$1.00 = €0.925     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Average 2004: \$1.00 = €0.820     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| September 2005: \$1.00 = €0.814   |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| *Source:* European Central Bank   |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

# 

***Source:*** *BICO and UN Trade Data*

# Consumer Oriented Products

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

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| *Reporting*     |                 | ***Import***    |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Country:*      |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Italy*         |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ***World***     | 2002            | 2003            | 2004            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | Million US \$   | Million US \$   | Milllion US\$   |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 11,086          | 13,817          | N/A             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| *Reporting*     |                 | ####            |                 |
|                 |                 | #### **Import** |                 |
| *Country:*      |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Italy*         |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ***United       | 2002            | 2003            | 2004            |
| States***       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | Million US \$   | Million US \$   | Milllion US \$  |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 108             | 162             | N/A             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

## 

# Fish and Seafood Products

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

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| *Reporting*     |                 | ####            |                 |
|                 |                 | #### **Import** |                 |
| *Country:*      |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Italy*         |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ***World***     | 2002            | 2003            | 2004            |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | Million US \$   | Million US \$   | Milllion US \$  |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 2,849           | 3,471           | N/A             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| *Reporting*     |                 | # Import        |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Country:*      |                 |                 |                 |
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
| *Italy*         |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ***United       | 2002            | 2003            | 2004            |
| States***       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | Million US \$   | Million US \$   | Milllion US \$  |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | 43              | 49              | N/A             |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 19%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 12%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
<col style="width: 3%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="22"><em><strong>Italy Imports of Edible Fishery Products-
thousands of US $</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="5"><strong> </strong></td>
<td><p id="rank" class="heading">Rank</p></td>
<td colspan="3"><em><strong>2000</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="3"><em><strong>2001</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="3"><em><strong>2002</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="3"><em><strong>2003</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="3"><em><strong>2004</strong></em></td>
<td><em><strong>2003-04</strong></em></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="22"></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="6"><em><strong>Leading Regional
Suppliers</strong></em></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>World</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>-</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,476,279</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,767,097</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,849,002</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>3,470,619</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>European Union-15</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,548,277</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,705,149</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,706,183</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,103,459</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>South America</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>246,805</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>288,732</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>312,856</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>373,562</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>North Africa</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>3</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>119,121</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>133,568</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>142,454</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>164,620</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>ASEAN Region</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>4</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>141,254</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>132,421</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>141,987</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>203,431</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Sub-Saharan Africa</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>5</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>194,292</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>236,182</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>290,721</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>320,799</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>North America</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>6</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>71,466</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>72,690</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>81,027</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>77,494</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>South Asia</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>7</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>32,857</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>39,183</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>32,864</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>43,597</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Middle East</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>8</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>21,750</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>35,869</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>47,436</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>52,612</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Eastern Europe (Excl. FSU)</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>9</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>15,730</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>19,393</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>28,392</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>37,156</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>China &amp; Hong Kong</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>10</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>32,019</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>39,889</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>10,648</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>19,413</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Central America</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>11</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>12,190</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>7,065</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>11,533</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>15,562</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Non-EU West Europe</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>12</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>6,107</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>4,345</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>3,797</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>6,222</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Caribbean Islands</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>13</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,115</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2,979</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,073</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,250</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Japan</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>14</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,056</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1,509</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>872</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>439</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Former Soviet Union</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>15</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>284</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>856</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>596</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>686</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>NA</td>
<td></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="6"><em><strong>Leading Country Suppliers</strong></em></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Spain</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>1</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>402,732</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>502,746</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>525,641</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>678,295</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Denmark</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>2</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>285,034</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>292,621</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>272,389</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>319,553</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Netherlands</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>3</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>238,135</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>255,254</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>251,735</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>308,179</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>France</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>4</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>178,865</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>195,800</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>202,583</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>259,968</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Greece</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>5</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>125,561</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>109,615</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>115,070</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>140,607</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Argentina</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>6</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>81,799</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>111,549</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>108,533</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>136,252</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Morocco</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>7</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>78,166</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>90,380</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>99,806</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>108,095</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>United Kingdom</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>8</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>94,029</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>93,049</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>91,241</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>105,721</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Germany</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>9</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>96,847</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>98,737</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>90,418</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>102,363</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Thailand</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>10</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>64,321</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>65,850</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>83,326</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>97,883</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Ecuador</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>11</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>54,010</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>67,265</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>78,903</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>90,138</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Sweden</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>12</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>48,425</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>73,711</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>72,467</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>87,065</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Senegal</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>13</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>49,966</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>46,931</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>76,676</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>82,384</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Colombia</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>14</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>46,037</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>38,547</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>54,386</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>67,224</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>South Africa</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>15</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>53,863</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>50,964</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>60,122</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>66,563</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Tunisia</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>16</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>40,492</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>41,936</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>42,057</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>55,652</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>United States</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>17</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>48,980</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>46,411</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>43,738</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>48,901</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Seychelles</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>18</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>17,613</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>25,525</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>28,371</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>46,329</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Portugal</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>19</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>31,513</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>33,865</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>37,246</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>44,165</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Cote d'Ivoire</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>20</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>12,779</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>15,753</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>29,333</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>40,803</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td> </td>
<td><em>Rest of World</em></td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>-</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>427,108</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>510,577</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>484,973</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>584,486</td>
<td> </td>
<td> </td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>-100%</td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="22"></td>
<td colspan="4"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######## **Source:** FAS\' Global Agricultur                          |
| al Trade System using data from the United Nations Statistical Office |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------------- ---------------- --- --- --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ---- ---------------
  ***Italy Imports of                                                                                                                                                                                         
  Consumer-Oriented                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Agricutural Total                                                                                                                                                                                           
  -- thousands of US                                                                                                                                                                                          
  \$***                                                                                                                                                                                                       

  *** ***                                                                                                                                                                                                     ***% Change***

  *** ***                                          ***Rank***   ***2000***                    ***2001***                    ***2002***                    ***2003***                    ***2004***            ***2003-04***

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  ***Leading Regional                                                                                                                                                                                         
  Suppliers***                                                                                                                                                                                                

                      *World*                      \-                            10,424,060                    10,784,653                    11,085,927                    13,816,994                    NA   -100%

                      *European                    1                             8,861,191                     9,027,995                     9,226,559                     11,568,776                    NA   -100%
                      Union-15*                                                                                                                                                                               

                      *Middle East*                2                             189,000                       208,054                       240,103                       293,249                       NA   -100%

                      *Non-EU West                 3                             153,089                       162,931                       162,985                       194,438                       NA   -100%
                      Europe*                                                                                                                                                                                 

                      *South America*              4                             405,930                       431,530                       531,009                       616,796                       NA   -100%

                      *North America*              5                             122,109                       130,263                       132,863                       171,766                       NA   -100%

                      *China & Hong                6                             105,571                       121,676                       132,834                       157,256                       NA   -100%
                      Kong*                                                                                                                                                                                   

                      *Eastern Europe              7                             223,189                       301,701                       270,000                       321,604                       NA   -100%
                      (Excl. FSU)*                                                                                                                                                                            

                      *Central                     8                             74,299                        96,296                        78,547                        114,175                       NA   -100%
                      America*                                                                                                                                                                                

                      *North Africa*               9                             49,872                        58,107                        77,113                        97,302                        NA   -100%

                      *ASEAN Region*               10                            48,992                        36,627                        47,215                        61,654                        NA   -100%

                      *Sub-Saharan                 11                            82,392                        78,905                        75,453                        81,637                        NA   -100%
                      Africa*                                                                                                                                                                                 

                      *South Asia*                 12                            22,273                        20,452                        18,787                        19,314                        NA   -100%

                      *Japan*                      13                            6,479                         8,334                         5,912                         8,771                         NA   -100%

                      *Caribbean                   14                            5,393                         8,207                         9,497                         8,822                         NA   -100%
                      Islands*                                                                                                                                                                                

                      *Former Soviet               15                            17,287                        18,558                        15,242                        23,789                        NA   -100%
                      Union*                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  **Leading Country                                                                                                                                                                                           
  Suppliers**                                                                                                                                                                                                 

                      *Germany*                    1                             2,475,430                     2,640,280                     2,675,878                     3,353,413                     NA   -100%

                      *France*                     2                             1,885,312                     1,801,476                     1,881,440                     2,310,861                     NA   -100%

                      *Netherlands*                3                             1,528,601                     1,504,370                     1,483,415                     1,788,469                     NA   -100%

                      *Spain*                      4                             837,340                       831,250                       901,451                       1,303,057                     NA   -100%

                      *Austria*                    5                             526,533                       553,962                       582,909                       750,385                       NA   -100%

                      *Belgium*                    6                             570,352                       642,872                       634,816                       745,520                       NA   -100%

                      *Denmark*                    7                             426,026                       498,956                       460,656                       524,142                       NA   -100%

                      *United Kingdom*             8                             219,507                       199,368                       198,096                       231,202                       NA   -100%

                      *Ireland*                    9                             179,679                       114,767                       144,262                       231,028                       NA   -100%

                      *Turkey*                     10                            127,484                       149,024                       180,044                       228,735                       NA   -100%

                      *Switzerland*                11                            145,405                       154,262                       154,150                       181,414                       NA   -100%

                      *Ecuador*                    12                            111,114                       119,103                       176,184                       172,428                       NA   -100%

                      *Greece*                     13                            119,241                       125,161                       138,581                       169,539                       NA   -100%

                      *United States*              14                            107,864                       112,845                       108,255                       162,038                       NA   -100%

                      *China (Peoples              15                            105,223                       121,362                       132,286                       156,907                       NA   -100%
                      Republic of)*                                                                                                                                                                           

                      *Brazil*                     16                            110,663                       132,123                       129,216                       143,755                       NA   -100%

                      *Argentina*                  17                            78,441                        79,469                        104,249                       142,478                       NA   -100%

                      *Hungary*                    18                            71,150                        105,715                       85,297                        110,837                       NA   -100%

                      *Chile*                      19                            46,365                        49,370                        77,848                        102,000                       NA   -100%

                      *Portugal*                   20                            46,923                        71,332                        66,435                        86,403                        NA   -100%

                      *Rest of World*              \-                            705,362                       777,603                       770,505                       922,392                       NA   -100%
  ------------------- ---------------- --- --- --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ------------ ------------ --- ---- ---------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######## **Source:** FAS\' Global Agricultur                          |
| al Trade System using data from the United Nations Statistical Office |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Italian Trade Shows

For a complete listing of major Italian trade shows and export promotion
opportunities for 2005-2007 please see Post's GAIN Report IT5032.

# Section V. Key Contacts

######## **USDA FAS Contacts in Rome, Italy**

*Office of Agricultural Affairs,*

*American Embassy, Via Veneto 119a*

*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: agrome@usda.gov

***Geoffrey Wiggin, Minister Counselor for Agricultural Affairs***

E-mail: <Geoffrey.Wiggin@usda.gov>

***Robin Gray, Agricultural Attaché***

E-mail: Robin.Gray@usda.gov

***Dana Biasetti, Agricultural Marketing Specialist***

E-mail: D<ana.Biasetti@usda.gov>

# Key Italian Government Agencies and Associations

***Ministero delle Politiche Agricole e Forestali***

(Ministry of Agriculture)

Via XX Settembre 20

00187 Roma

Tel: +39-06-46651

***Ministero della Sanita'***

(Ministry of Health)

Piazzale Marconi 25, Palazzo Italia,

00144 Eur-Roma

Tel: +39-06-5996966

Fax: +39-06-59946217

***Ministero delle Economia e delle Finanze***

(Ministry of Treasury)

Agenzia delle Dogane (Customs Agency)

Via M. Carucci 71,

00143 Roma

Tel. +39-06-50241

***Istituto per il Commercio Estero***

(Italian Trade Commission)

Via Liszt 21

00144 Roma (EUR)

Tel: +39-06-59921

Fax: +39-06-5422-0066

***ANEIOA***

(National Importers/Exporters Horticultural Association)

Via Sabotino 46

00195 Roma

Tel: +39-06-3751-5147

Fax: +39-06-372-3569

***ANIPO***

(National Importers/Exporters Horticultural Association)

Largo Brindisi 5

00182 Roma

Tel: +39-06-7726-401

Fax: +39-06-700-4428

***FEDERAGROALIMENTARE***

(Italian National Food Organization)

Via Gigli d\'Oro 21

00186 Roma

Tel: +39-06-689-341

Fax: +39-06-689-3409

***FEDERVINI***

(Wine Trade Assoc)

Via Mentana 2B

00185 Roma

Tel: +39-06-4469-421

Fax: +39-06-494-1566

***IIAS Istituto Italiano Alimenti Surgelati***

(Italian Frozen Foods Association)

Via Castelfidardo 8

00185 Roma

Tel: +39-06-42741472

Fax: +39-06-42011168

***UNA***

(Poultry Union)

Via V. Mariano 58

00189 Roma

Tel: +39-06-3325-841

Fax: +39-06-3325-2427

***UNICEB***

(Livestock Meat Traders)

Viale dei Campioni 13

00144 Roma

Tel: +39-06-592-1241

Fax: +39-06-592-1478

***UNIPI***

(Pasta Traders Assoc)

Via Po 102, 00198 Roma

Tel: +39-06-854-3291

Fax: +39-06-841-5132