Non-Italians made up 15 per cent of the total coming to view the 600 exhibitors – from countries across the globe, including Germany, the Netherlands, China, Romania, Hungary, Poland and the UK.

There was an increase in business activity, with many firms closing deals that resulted in working contracts lasting more than 12 months.

Agri Cesena and the Forli-Cesena Chamber of Commerce signed protocols with Australia, Morocco and Tunisia during the four-day extravaganza.

Agri Cesena chairman Domenico Scarpellini said: "All this confirms that Macfrut is really a showcase for the sector as well as an opportunity for business and contacts." Italian agriculture minister Giovanni Alemanno also praised the event, which reflected a successful period for Italian fruit and vegetables.

Horticulture has a huge role in the Italian economy, employing two million people and turning over e19bn every year.

Last year, the annual export value of the sector exceeded that of wine for the first time in Italy's history, and this year's surplus is the highest for a decade. l