The Rome Business School's research reveals a growing interest in healthy eating after the Covid pandemic. The study, focusing on the food sector in Italy, underscores the heightened awareness of the link between diet, health, and environmental impact due to post-pandemic demographic and lifestyle shifts. Enogastronomic experiences tied to tradition have also gained traction.
Italy's prominence as a global enogastronomic tourism leader is highlighted, with 67% of Italian tourists engaging in at least five such experiences in 2022, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Sicily, Emilia-Romagna, and Campania are notably interested regions. Enogastronomic interests associated with authentic Made in Italy products and the agri-food sector attract a substantial proportion of tourists, comprising 22.3% of Italian visitors and 29.9% of foreigners. German, US, and French markets lead in the consumption of Italian food products, contributing to record-breaking export figures and the food industry's substantial growth.
Despite growth, counterfeit concerns remain, affecting 66% of Made in Italy agri-food items. Certified products like PDO, DOC, and IGP are sought-after, with a 16% annual growth rate. Additionally, the Immagino Observatory notes increased interest in lactose-free and vegan products, reflecting evolving dietary preferences.
