Italian food has consistently been a staple for Australian consumers, wholesalers, and retailers. However, the reasons for this popularity are shifting. While items like pasta, olive oil, and cheese continue to be popular, consumers are more interested in the origins, production methods, and authenticity of these products.
This shift in consumer behavior is opening new avenues for businesses that can provide authentic ‘Made in Italy’ products. Simona Bernardini, Trade Commissioner and Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Sydney, has noted these developments.
Recent statistics indicate a growing demand for these products. Accounting data shows that Australia’s imports of Italian food and beverage products amounted to $1.47 billion in 2025, making up 5.5% of total imports in the category. This makes Italy Australia’s fourth-largest supplier of these goods.
Bernardini mentioned that Italian products, including processed tomatoes, pasta, cheese, olive oil, sauces, wine, and premium bakery products, continue to perform well. This reflects a growing appreciation for authentic, high-quality food that is strongly connected to its origin.
The recently concluded Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to further bolster this bilateral trade by reducing barriers for exporters and creating more opportunities for Australian buyers.
A Strategic Export Market and Premium Credentials
Australia is not just a destination for Italian food exports, but also a gateway market for broader growth across the Asia-Pacific region. The country offers a stable economic environment, a sophisticated retail sector, and consumers with a growing appreciation for authentic, high-quality imported food products.
As consumers pay greater attention to the origin and production methods of their food, premium, sustainable, and traceable food is in high demand. European quality schemes like Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) provide strong guarantees of authenticity, traceability, and production standards. These certifications are becoming increasingly valuable to Australian consumers looking for genuine and premium food experiences.
Building Resilient Supply Chains and Supporting Long-term Partnerships
Despite the growing demand, global supply chains are under pressure due to geopolitical uncertainty and increased freight costs. Italian exporters have responded by becoming more agile and collaborative, diversifying transportation routes, and investing in efficient supply chain management practices.
For Italian businesses looking to enter the Australian market, understanding Australia’s regulatory environment and building local partnerships is crucial. Bernardini advises that companies must consider biosecurity requirements, labeling regulations, logistics costs, pricing strategies, and finding the right importer or distributor.
The Italian Trade Agency’s Sydney office plays a vital role in this, providing market information, sector insights, guidance on local requirements, identification of potential business partners, and promotional opportunities.
Trade exhibitions, such as Fine Food Australia, are effective ways for Italian producers to connect with Australian retailers, importers, distributors, and foodservice operators. The Italian National Pavilion, organized by the Italian Trade Agency’s Sydney office, promotes the diversity and innovation of the Italian food and beverage sector, further strengthening commercial and institutional relationships between Italy and Australia.
The Pavilion, which will host 23 Italian companies, will give Australian buyers access to internationally recognised brands and smaller regional producers. Bernardini emphasizes that the Pavilion is not just a showcase of Italian products but also representative of the robust partnership between Italy and Australia in the food and beverage sector.
Questions & Answers
What has led to the change in Australian consumers’ preference for Italian products?
Consumers are now more interested in the story behind the products – their origins, production methods, and authenticity.
What role does the Italian Trade Agency’s Sydney office play for Italian businesses entering Australia?
The agency provides market information, sector insights, guidance on local requirements, identification of potential business partners, and promotional opportunities.
How do Italian producers connect with Australian buyers and retailers?
Trade exhibitions, such as Fine Food Australia, are an effective platform for Italian producers to directly present their products to Australian buyers, distributors, retailers, and food service operators.
