Italy, the guardian of an invaluable food and wine heritage, is preparing for a 2026 marked by evolving international consumption patterns, export growth, and new market dynamics.
Italian food around the world continues to represent a benchmark for millions of consumers and professionals in the international agri-food sector. Data updated at the end of 2025 confirm steady growth in Italian food exports, with very positive prospects also for 2026.
Made in Italy food stands out for its quality, authenticity, and strong connection to its territory—values that are driving new global consumption trends.
MADE IN ITALY EXPORTS: RECORD RESULTS AND OUTLOOK FOR 2026
Between June 2024 and May 2025, the value of Italian food exports reached €70.7 billion, marking a historic record (Source: Italianfood.net). This result demonstrates how Italian food abroad is widely perceived as synonymous with excellence.
Projections for 2026 indicate:
- an increase in export value between +7% and +8%;
- strong growth in non-EU markets;
- rising demand for premium and 100% Italian products.
GROWING DEMAND FOR QUALITY, AUTHENTICITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
Today’s international consumer is no longer looking only for good products, but also for stories, territorial identity, sustainability, and traceability. In 2026, these elements will become increasingly central.
Global consumer preferences are shifting toward products that are sustainable and transparent throughout the supply chain. Italian companies that adopt green practices and clearly communicate their values will gain a competitive advantage.
Authentic Made in Italy food products, made with carefully selected raw materials and transparent production processes, are increasingly rewarded.
Key decision factors include:
- certified Italian origin;
- controlled supply chains;
- traditional recipes;
- a distinctive and recognizable taste.
Products such as BIS Extra Virgin Olive Oil, obtained from Italian olives, or BIS Pasta made from 100% Italian durum wheat semolina, perfectly meet these requirements.
THE MOST IN-DEMAND MADE IN ITALY PRODUCTS WORLDWIDE
In 2025, with positive projections for 2026, several sectors show particularly strong performance.
Italy remains one of the world’s leading wine exporters, with over €8 billion in export value. Despite challenges such as potential tariffs in certain markets, demand for premium Italian wines continues to grow in major international markets.
Moreover, Italy maintains a leading global position in pasta exports, with significant global market shares. Olive oil and Italian chocolate are also showing strong growth, with increases of +27% and +17% respectively over the past year (Source: Teleborsa).
NEW INTERNATIONAL CONSUMPTION HABITS
Beyond physical exports, the presence of Italian food in global restaurant kitchens is expanding. According to international studies, Italian cuisine is experiencing growing demand—especially in the USA and China—and generates an economic value exceeding €250 billion (Source: Italianfood.net).
Global trends for 2026 indicate that:
- consumers reward authentic menus and high-quality ingredients;
- the food service sector is moving toward flexible and digitalized formats (delivery, take-away, customized offerings);
- demand is increasing for dishes that combine Italian tradition with culinary innovation.
Another key element of 2026 food trends is the digitalization of the agri-food supply chain. Italian companies are investing in traceability and the protection of Made in Italy. This approach strengthens trust among international buyers and enhances the value of high-quality products such as those under the BIS brand (Catalog).
CONCLUSIONS: ITALIAN FOOD AS A SYNTHESIS OF UNIQUE VALUES
Italian food is not just a product, but a globally recognized system of values: tradition, authenticity, quality, and sustainability. The strength of Made in Italy lies not only in numbers, but in its ability to tell stories of excellence through every product.
Italian food trends worldwide for 2026 confirm a future of growth for the food and wine products of companies such as Best Italian Selection. This represents a major opportunity to consolidate presence in international markets and to grow by focusing on value, quality, and distinctiveness.
