The Italian tomato preserves sector continues to perform strongly, reinforcing its leadership in international markets thanks to a high-quality supply chain and strict production standards. According to data released by Anicav (the National Association of Canned Vegetable Food Industries), exports reached €3 billion in 2024, marking a 6.5% increase in volume and a 3.8% increase in value compared to the previous year.
More than 2.2 million tons of Italian tomato-based products were sold abroad in 2024. Among these, peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes led the charge, accounting for over 64% of total exports.
Tomato purée, while the most widely consumed product in the domestic market, also held a significant share internationally, making up around 21% of exports—a sign of its strong appeal worldwide.
Europe remains the primary destination for Italian tomato preserves, absorbing over 60% of export value. Within the continent, the top markets are:
Beyond Europe, the United States ranks as the leading extra-EU market, followed by Japan, which holds the sixth position globally and the second among non-European destinations.
These figures underscore the global competitiveness of Italian tomato preserves, which successfully meet international demand both in quality and product variety.
In 2024, Italy processed 5.3 million tons of tomatoes for the food industry, consolidating its position as the third-largest producer worldwide, after China and the United States.
Production is concentrated in two major areas:
This geographical distribution ensures a balance between traditional expertise and advanced industrial capacity.
The success of Italian tomato preserves abroad is directly linked to the focus on raw material quality and the strength of the national supply chain.
As emphasized by Marco Serafini, President of Anicav, these products are made exclusively from tomatoes grown by Italian farmers—who are among the best compensated worldwide—and processed under strict quality and safety standards.
This commitment translates into products with superior taste, traceability, and consistency, strengthening Italy’s global reputation in the food industry.
While global recognition is a strength, it also exposes the sector to the risks of Italian Sounding—products marketed abroad with misleading Italian references that mimic authentic goods.
This phenomenon confuses consumers, undermines the value of genuine Italian products, and poses a challenge for the industry as it seeks to defend the integrity of true Made in Italy.
The steady growth of Italian tomato preserves exports highlights a powerful combination of tradition, quality, and global demand. With €3 billion in international sales, the sector not only secures its position as a pillar of the Italian agri-food industry but also sets the stage for continued expansion in markets that value authenticity and excellence.
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