In the year of Covid it is a historic record for made in Italy food in China with a jump of 20.5% in 2020 and a value that exceeds half a billion euros for the first time. This is what emerges from an analysis by Coldiretti on Istat data disclosed on the occasion of the entry into force of the agreement between the EU-China which provides for the mutual protection of 200 products with designation of origin, 26 of which are Italians among the 100 of the European Union. "This is an important result obtained in clear contrast to the difficulties caused by the pandemic in trade, which confirms the Asian giant's appreciation for national food and drink", comments the association.

According to Coldiretti, the agreement signed between the European Union and China represents an important but insufficient first step with just 3% of Italian products with indication of origin on the list. For Italy, which is the European leader in designations of origin, the following are currently protected in China: balsamic vinegar of Modena, Asiago, Asti, Barbaresco, Bardolino Superiore, Barolo, Brachetto d'Acqui, Bresaola della Valtellina, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Prosecco, Dolcetto d'Alba, Franciacorta, gorgonzola, Grana Padano, grappa, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, buffalo mozzarella from Campania, Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino Romano, Parma ham, San Daniele ham, Soave, taleggio, Toscano, Nobile di Montepulciano wine.

"The risk is that the lack of protection of all the other made in Italy brands legitimizes the production of imitations of tricolor products in a country in great expansion especially in the wine sector where it is the first world consumer for reds. However, the will is positive. to proceed with an enlargement of the list over time. In this context it is also important to work to overcome the technical barriers still present for national exports. In fact, if the ban on Italian pork was removed in 2016 and in 2018 the borders opened in China for Italian alfalfa, at the moment as regards fresh fruit, for example, Italy can export to China only kiwis and citrus fruits while apples and pears are still blocked, which are the subject of a specific negotiation", concludes the association .