In contrast to the general trend, the turnover of the Italian food industry in March grew by 3.1%. Together with agriculture, Made in Italy food industry continued to work during the emergency, to ensure food and drink supplies to the population. According to Italian farmers association Coldiretti’s analysis on ISTAT data, the total turnover of Italy’s industrial sector in the period underwent an overall reduction of 25.2% yoy.

Foreign trade has been an essential factor in ensuring the Italian food industry’s growth. In March, exports increased by 13.5% whereas the closure of bars, restaurants, pizzerias, gelato parlours and farmhouses led to a monthly loss of over 1.5 billion. “In this context – underlines Coldiretti – the horeca sector reopening is particularly important”.