Exports of Italian fruit and vegetables to Germany reportedly declined between 2002 and 2007, according to figures published by marketing and research body CSO.

According to the data, the volume of Italian produce shipped to the German market fell by 22 per cent between 2001 and 2007, although in value terms exports reportedly remained stable.

Fruit exports to Germany fell 20 per cent from 970,000 tonnes in 2000 to 770,000 tonnes in 2007, the study confirmed.

“It should be noted that the downturn in Italian exports `to Germany` was not due to increases from competing countries,” commented CSO director Luciano Trentini. “This confirms a new and important trend on the German market towards local production, at least when it comes to products grown in northern Europe like apples, strawberries, asparagus and field crops.”

The decline in shipments to Germany has reportedly been offset by greater penetration of other emerging destinations such as eastern Europe and Russia, which expanded considerably in 2008 but which may experience a slowdown as a result of the current economic crisis.

“Nevertheless, the opening of new markets remains one of the primary objectives of the Italian fresh produce sector, together with encouraging consumption,” Mr Trentini added.

Despite the fall, Germany remains Italy’s largest trading partner for fresh produce, taking around 40 per cent of total exports last year compared with 33 per cent in 2007. Citrus exports showed particularly strong growth during the period 2003-2005, up 50 per cent to around 50,000 tonnes.

The main products shipped by Italian exporters to Germany include apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, kiwifruit and pears, together accounting for 85-89 per cent of volumes shipped and 82-90 per cent of sales during the period 2000-2007.

In general terms, the report suggests the Italian fresh produce export business is moving in the right direction. “When it comes to exports, the sector is in particularly good shape,” continued Mr Trentini. “Italy exported a total of 3.3m tonnes of fresh produce in 2007, up 16 per cent year-on-year, while we are currently awaiting official figures for 2008.”

According to the report, total Italian fruit and vegetable exports during the period 2000-2004 fell 17 per cent to 2.9m tonnes, but recovered that ground between 2004 and 2007, returning to almost 3.5m tonnes. During the latter period, the value of sendings rose 35 per cent to more than €3bn.


A copy of the full report can be downloaded from the CSO website.