Italy-China fruit trade set to expand

Trade between Italy and China was on the agenda in Shanghai last Wednesday 22nd November during Mac Fruit Attraction China, a new trade show for international fruit and vegetable exhibitors. The event is a collaboration between Spain’s IFEMA; Italy’s Cesena Fiera; and VNU, organiser of Horti China 2017. In attendance were more than 100 Chinese and Italian traders and media representatives, along with executives from the Emilia Romagna region, Confindustria, CSO, Macfrut, and Cibus, who spoke about the current dynamics of the China-Italy fresh produce trade. The Italian representative highlighted their high-quality wines and fruit, while also underlining the country’s long history of art and culture.

President of CSO, Paolo Bruni, underlined how Italy is the Europe’s top fresh apple producer, producing 23 million tons per year, 45% of which are for export. In addition, Italy’s booming kiwifruit production was addressed, with exports to China increasing from 1,012 tons in 2010 to 10,580 tons in 2016. Now that Italy has the approved protocol to export citrus to China, pears are the country’s next fruit expected to gain market access to China.