Redazione

🍝 Italy leads the world in pasta production with 3.6 million tonnes in 2022, and Italians consume the most, averaging 23 kg per person annually, totaling 1.3 million tonnes. Nearly all Italians (99%) eat pasta at least once a week, and 19.2% consume it 4-5 times weekly. Over 30% of Italians expect consumption to rise domestically, and 40% foresee international growth. In contrast, 75% of Italians have limited knowledge of pasta variety, as a September 2024 survey of 1,000 Italians aged 18-65 revealed. The study identified four pasta categories, with characteristics like protein content ranging from 10.6% to 14% every 100 grams, accommodating diverse culinary needs and experiences. The initiative "Pasta Diversity: a journey through pasta variety" aims to educate consumers on choosing the right pasta for every occasion.

📖 The Italian Ministry of Agriculture published the second list of beneficiaries for the "Fondo di parte capitale" aimed at supporting excellence in gastronomy and agri-food, managed by Invitalia. This round includes 564 companies with a total contribution of €11,873,572.58, against investments of about €18 million. To date, 1,065 enterprises received €22,853,617.69, generating investments of around €35 million. Further decrees will be announced until the total fund of €56 million is allocated. Beneficiaries must incur expenses within 8 months of the decree and request fund disbursement within 30 days of expense completion, no later than June 30, 2025.

📊 In 2023, Italy's GDP grew by 0.7%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from March estimates. The previous year, 2022, saw a GDP increase of 4.7%, while 2021 experienced an 8.9% growth. Fixed investments rose by 8.5% last year, and national final consumptions by 1.2%. Exports of goods and services went up by 0.8%, with imports dropping by 0.4%. The value added in volume decreased by 1.6% in the industry and by 3.5% in agriculture, but increased by 6.7% in construction and by 1.1% in services. Public debt to GDP improved to -7.2% in 2023 from -8.1% in 2022, with a primary balance at -3.5% of GDP. Debt to GDP ratio was 134.6%, with fiscal pressure dropping to 41.5%.