In spite of business difficulties, Italian companies have continued in the first quarter of the year to consolidate their position on the international markets. The food and agriculture industry will also benefit from demand in oil-producing countries and emerging economies, compensating for the slump in sales in mature economies suffering more from the crisis. This is the forecast of Assocamerestero, the association of Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad. Russia, in particular, is expected to register a 13.3% increase in exports, valued at 168.51 million Euros, between January and March 2009. The Italian trade industry is therefore confidently preparing to take part in the Prodexpo 2009 Fair scheduled for 9-13 February in Moscow. ICE, the Italian Trade Commission, will again participate at the event where Italian manufacture is now rated highly.

The annual Prodexpo Fair is dedicated to the entire sector of agricultural and food products. Now in its 15^th year, it is the most important fair event for operators in the field in Russia, Former Soviet Union countries and economies under Russian influence. The 2008 edition involved 2,111 exhibitors (1,314 from Russia and 797 from overseas) representing 59 countries. Attendance was up an impressive 11% on 2007, with a total of 121,837 people.

The food and agriculture market in Russia is potentially boundless and is growing at an annual rate of between 15 and 20%. The import of wine and food products is worth more than 20 billion dollars. Italy’s share (about 4.5%) is still less than the potential offer, despite the excellent, widespread image it conveys of a successful lifestyle. The medium-to-top bracket customers in Russia particularly appreciate Italian wine and food products, although a more widespread presence on local distribution networks could broaden the potential customer base quite considerably. Local demand is, in fact, already showing very positive signs: in 2007, sales of Italian wine overseas increased by 43% to 57.5 million Euros. Italy now also accounts for a third of the local market of sparkling wines (exports in 2007 were up 69% to 23.6 million Euros).

Statistics released by ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics) confirm this positive trend: in the first eleven months of 2008, the export of Italian food products, beverages and tobacco to Russia increased by 16.8% to the tune of 332.88 million Euros.