ITA- Italian Trade Agency

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) serves as the government entity dedicated to advancing the presence and expansion of Italian companies in global markets. Additionally, it is tasked with the attraction of foreign investments in Italy.

Leveraging its extensive network of overseas offices, inconstant coordination with the local Embassy of Italy, ITA undertakes a range of activities encompassing information dissemination, assistance, consultancy, promotion, and training for small and medium-sized Italian enterprises. 

 It employs modern tools of promotion and multichannel communication to effectively execute its mission.

Within its overarching mission, ITA provides support to the Italian agri-food and floriculture sectors, whose globally recognized
productions stand as a source of pride for our territories. In 2023, ITA positioned itself as an active participant alongside trade associations, consortia, trade fair organizations such as Fiere di Parma and Fiera Milano, and other stakeholders in the supply chain. Together, they implemented various initiatives to bolster the internationalization efforts of Italian companies, spanning traditional avenues such as trade fairs and incoming initiatives, as well as innovative approaches.
A notable event in 2023 was the conclusion of the Universal Exhibition Floriade in Almere, Netherlands, where Italy’s presence, including a Pavilion and an “Italian” garden inspired by the theme “Italy future roots,” garnered the special prize in the “Theme Prize” category (outdoor section).
Continuing on expo themes, a recent undertaking, Expo Doha 2023 opened its doors in October, with Italy showcasing technological expertise in agriculture through the Italian Pavilion, titled “The Garden of the Future.” This platform featured events dedicated to contemporary themes in agriculture, technology, innovation, environmental awareness, and sustainability.
High-impact business promotional activities were initiated during key Italian trade fairs, such as Flormart and My Plants& Garden, serving as ideal platforms for “business to business” meetings between Italian sectoral excellences and over 150 foreign buyers invited by ITA with support from its global network of offices.
In 2023, the official launch of the new release of the ANVE – ITA web portal “phytoweb” (www.phytoweb.it) marked a significant milestone. This innovative platform addresses the need to provide companies with a tangible tool to navigate the regulatory and managerial complexities inherent to the sector at international level. 

The website, subject to continuous updates, aims to expand the range of available information and enhance its functionality over time.
Looking ahead, the commitment of institutions to the entire supply chain will gain renewed momentum in the coming years. Collaborating with ANVE and the other stakeholders, ITA is already engaged in developing new projects aimed at optimal promotion of our Made in Italy, ‘’a story of beauty and innovation that has much to tell the world’’.

OUR NUMBERS
True excellence of our regions from north to south, horticultural production is growing (the value of production in 2022 is 3.1 billion euros according to Istat data, +10% compared to 2021) and it is increasingly appreciated all over the world.
The data shows that approximately 40% of plants and flowers go abroad and Italy is still on the podium, keeping up with competitors such as the Netherlands and Colombia, historically leaders in the sector. With an export value of around one billion euros, Italy maintains its third position in the ranking of the main exporters, with France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom absorbing around 65% of sales overseas.
Together with the “core” markets, Italian companies are looking with greater interest at new and diversified countries, both within Europe and outside the EU borders, for instance Spain, the United States, North Africa and the Gulf countries. 

Among the markets to keep an eye on is Serbia, where Italy is the second supplier and is gaining significant shares in an increasingly dynamic market.