The 2025 edition of TuttoFood Milano opened with a bold message: Italy is not only preserving its culinary heritage but actively seeking the leadership global role in the agri-food industry. Running until May 8, the event brought together thousands of food leaders that are part of the Italian food ecosystem.
Born from a collaboration between Fiere di Parma, Fiera Milano, and Koelnmesse (the German Trade House), this inaugural joint edition is more than just a trade show, it’s a business plan for regional growth and global competitiveness. By integrating TuttoFood with Cibus, Italy is investing in its international presence and offering buyers a unified, high-impact platform to promote the best of Made in Italy.
A New Model or the Agri-Food Industry
At the opening ceremony, Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma, described this new food venture, as a clear example of Italy’s “system success.” Backed by strong government support, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests, the business event highlighted a unified national effort to monetize Italy’s agri-food sector.
The numbers are confirming this success: this biennial collaboration with Cologne now spans 350,000 square meters and features nearly 15,000 companies. This is not just scale, it’s strategic ambition aimed at capturing increased market share.
More Than Food: Italy’s Broader Export Power
When most people think of Italian exports, they think of fine wines, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto, and award-winning extra virgin olive oil. And while these luxury products are in high demand, especially in the U.S., they represent just a small fraction of a much larger business story.
According to recent data, the top Italian exports to the U.S. (to pick a destination market) in 2024 included electrical machinery and equipment, advanced machinery (including computers), vehicles, mineral fuels, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are accelerating growth and expanding Italy’s presence in strategic international markets, proving that Italian innovation extends far beyond its culinary reputation.
Yet, it’s precisely this reputation, of quality, craft, and heritage, that gives Italy’s food sector its competitive edge in global trade.
Managing Trade Risks with Strategy and Strength
As Italy’s food exports grow in value it also face potential challenges. One such challenge is the proposed 20% tariff that may be imposed on Italian food and wine imports to the U.S., a move that could significantly impact one of Italy’s most lucrative foreign markets. In my opinion, this is just noise, which will settle once the White House reaches an advantageous agreement with China.
Rather than wait for the policy changes, Italian companies have an opportunity to go on the offensive. By strengthening their U.S. partnerships (via also a strong partnership between Prime Minister Meloni and President Trum), expanding their market presence, and promoting the uniqueness of Italian products, they can turn policy volatility into growth. There will also be big opportunities for market consolidation and tactical acquisitions for those Italian companies that are cash rich and can acquire distressed food players.
The key lies in staying nimble: exploring new distribution channels, forming joint ventures, negotiating flexible contracts, and reinforcing brand identity through targeted marketing. Companies that stay focused on their core strengths, quality, heritage, and authenticity, will remain competitive, regardless of political or economic turbulence
Driving Export Growth Through Institutional Support
Italy’s Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida reiterated the significance of the country’s agri-food system, calling it “a structured system with growing exports.” His presence at the event signals the importance the Italian government places on boosting food exports and supporting businesses that deliver quality products to traditional and emerging markets alike.
Echoing this sentiment, Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, reiterated Italy’s bold objective: raising the value of Italian agri-food exports from €69 billion to €100 billion in the near future. With exports up 30% since 2019, even during global economic weakness, Italy’s food sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience and momentum.
TuttoFood 2025: Scaling Up, Thinking Global
This year’s edition is a leap forward in every respect. Consider the scale:
- 4,200 exhibiting brands, with 75% from Italy and 25% from 70 other countries
- 3,000 top buyers from 100 countries, curated through a dedicated international program
- 80,000 square meters of net exhibition space, up from 50,000 in previous years
- 90,000 expected visitors, including key decision-makers and industry leaders
- 47 conferences, three award ceremonies, and seven thematic areas spread across ten pavilions
This scale isn’t just about volume, it’s about impact and high quality brands. It’s about connecting Italian producers with global distributors, retailers, and consumers who increasingly value authenticity, sustainability, and regional excellence.
Conclusion: The Italian Food Sector Is a Strategic Asset
The 2025 edition of TuttoFood Milano is more than an industry trade show, it’s a pillar of Italy’s broader economic strategy. While the country’s export economy includes high-tech machinery and pharmaceuticals, food remains Italy’s most emotionally rich export. Faced with geopolitical uncertainties like potential tariffs, Italian businesses are not retreating, they’re adapting, and integrating technologies to make them exceptional.
By consolidating trade shows, reinforcing institutional partnerships, and focusing on highest quality, Italian food producers are turning global challenges into competitive advantages. The business world may be filled with uncertainty, but the value of Made in Italy has never been stronger.
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