The agrifood sector represents an excellence that stands out in terms of quality, food safety, technological innovation, sustainability, biodiversity and respect for tradition. 

Olives and grapes are Italy’s two most lucrative agricultural exports. The Country is also one of the leading producers in olive oil, fruits (apples, oranges, lemons, pears, apricots, hazelnuts, peaches, cherries, plums, strawberries and kiwifruits) and vegetables (artichokes and tomatoes). 

The material that transformed the Italian economy with a flourish was steel. This alloy formed the backbone of the metallurgical and engineering industries, known as metalmeccanica. The main branches of this field included arms manufacture, textile machinery, machine tools, automobiles and other transport vehicles and domestic appliances.

The automotive industry continues to play a fundamental role in Italy’s economic development, especially given the huge number of jobs filled. This is true for the entire value chain, from vehicle and component design to the manufacture and marketing of finished goods. The sector can be split into three main segments: automobiles; commercial vehicles, trucks and buses; components.

Due to the progress made in the fields of design, construction and techniques, the Italian industry has conquered a world-leading position in the machinery sector, as witnessed by the result reached in the international export flows.

Italy is historically one of the largest producers of active ingredients in the world. The broad life science sector, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, ICT solutions for healthcare, is one of the most strategic and attractive fields, from an economic and technological point of view.

Italian consumer goods are known all over the world: eyewear, fashion, jewelry, furniture and design are among the most requested in the world, thanks to the high quality and innovative abilities of the Italian business sector.

The industry has flourished under both national and international patronage. People mainly visit Italy for its rich culture, cuisine, history, fashion, architecture and art. The most popular locations, apart from the great cultural centres of Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples, are the coastal resorts and islands or the Alpine hills and lakes of the north. Italy is also the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.