Despite these encouraging numbers, the sector continues to face several challenges. The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) remains one of the main issues, leading to the closure of key markets such as China and significant restrictions on imports of Italian cured meats in countries like Japan, the USA, and Canada. Furthermore, global economic instability and high raw material costs pose additional hurdles that the industry must overcome to maintain its competitiveness.
Between April and June 2024, exports of Italian cured meats reached 58,456 tons, a 15.0% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with a value of €568.4 million (+6.0%). This result was driven by increased shipments to EU partners, which recorded a 20.8% increase in volume and a 7.4% increase in value. Results were less remarkable for non-EU countries, where there was a more modest increase of 1.1% in volume and 3.1% in value.
From January to June 2024, exports of cured raw hams saw notable growth. With a total of 36,229 tons and a value of €476.4 million, there was a 9.0% increase in quantity and an 8.4% increase in value. Shipments of deboned hams, including speck, coppa, and culatello, reached 35,309 tons, with a 9.4% increase, generating a turnover of €469.4 million, up by 8.3%. In contrast, bone-in hams experienced a 6.0% decrease in quantity, totaling 920 tons, but recorded an 11.9% increase in value, amounting to approximately €7 million.
Exports of salami showed double-digit growth, reaching 25,318 tons with a value of €296.3 million, marking a 12.5% increase in quantity and a 12.2% increase in value. The second quarter showed particularly favorable results, especially in volume, with a 12.6% increase in quantity and a 6.6% increase in value, despite more modest results from non-EU countries during the same period.
Strong performances were also observed for exports of mortadella and würstel, which totaled 24,435 tons worth approximately €116.9 million, reflecting a 21.2% increase in quantity and a 19.3% increase in value. Cooked ham exports exceeded 13,712 tons, valued at €108.6 million, closing the first half of 2024 with an 18.8% increase in quantity and a 12.2% increase in value. Pancetta reached 3,399 tons worth €32.8 million (+2.9% in quantity and +4.9% in value), while bresaola totaled 1,874 tons (+0.5%) with a value of €40.7 million (+1.7%).
FRATELLI PAGANI: THE STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR THE CURED MEAT SECTOR
In such a dynamic market, where quality and innovation are key to standing out, Fratelli Pagani emerges as a leading reference point for the meat and cured meat industry.
With a strong tradition and an innovative approach, the company ensures high-performing ingredients, developing tailored solutions and projects to meet every need. Fratelli Pagani’s offerings are based on key principles such as high quality, authenticity, and attention to the demands of the modern market. These features position the company as a strategic partner for businesses aiming to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, contributing not only to improving the taste and quality of products but also to strengthening the success of the cured meat sector at both national and international levels.
