Breakthrough Export Numbers Propel Sector Forward (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Italy – Dairy producers marked 2025 as a year of triumph with cheese exports climbing to 680,000 tonnes valued at €6.1 billion, according to figures from Assolatte.[1]Italianfood.net This surge underscored the sector’s vital role in Italy’s agrifood economy. Yet, rerouting around the Red Sea due to Gulf tensions has spiked costs and delays, casting doubt on sustained growth.
Breakthrough Export Numbers Propel Sector Forward
Italy’s cheese exports surged by 4.6% in volume and 12.8% in value compared to 2024, pushing the total dairy export value to €6.7 billion.[1] Assolatte highlighted this performance as a key driver for Italian products on international shelves. The gains stood out especially against struggles in sectors like wine, which faced tariffs and softer demand.
Producers capitalized on strong global appetite for Italian specialties. This momentum confirmed cheese as a powerhouse in agrifood trade. Still, industry leaders noted early signs of vulnerability.
Geopolitical Tensions Disrupt Vital Supply Chains
Instability in the Gulf region forced ships to avoid the Red Sea, leading to longer voyages and higher energy costs. Assolatte stated, “The new and growing geopolitical instability in the Gulf area, together with war-related tensions that have altered major maritime routes, is producing immediate and profound impacts on the Italian dairy industry.”[1] Fresh cheeses suffered most from these delays.
Assolatte President Paolo Zanetti warned of broader consequences: “We are not facing a simple logistical inconvenience: this is a crisis affecting the entire supply chain. Products such as mozzarella, burrata, and stracciatella cannot withstand an additional 10 or 20 days of transit without compromising quality.” He emphasized risks to Asian markets during a critical phase.[1]
Italy Claims Top Spot in EU, Eyes Global Dominance
The country overtook Germany to become the European Union’s leading cheese exporter to markets outside the bloc. Globally, Italy held second place by value and third by volume.[1] These rankings reflected years of quality focus and market savvy.
Regional trends varied sharply. The Middle East saw a robust 20% rise in imports, buoying overall figures. In contrast, the United States and China posted drops tied to tariffs and economic pressures.
| Metric | 2025 Figure | Vs. 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Volume | 680,000 tonnes | +4.6% |
| Cheese Value | €6.1 billion | +12.8% |
| Dairy Total Value | €6.7 billion | N/A |
Urgent Push for Innovation and Stability
Zanetti urged a pivot to lasting fixes. Investments in product shelf-life technology topped his list, alongside a unified European energy strategy. Farmers required policy assurances to commit resources confidently.
The Common Agricultural Policy needed strengthening for long-term planning. These steps could shield the sector from recurring shocks. Industry watchers agreed that adaptability defined future success.
Key Takeaways
- Italy led EU extra-bloc cheese exports in 2025, surpassing Germany.
- Red Sea disruptions threaten fresh products like mozzarella with quality loss.
- Middle East demand jumped 20%, offsetting declines elsewhere.
Italy’s dairy sector proved resilient in 2025, but the Red Sea crisis serves as a stark reminder of global trade’s fragility. Producers must innovate swiftly to protect hard-won gains. What steps should Italy take next to safeguard its cheese exports? Share your thoughts in the comments.
