Angry Italian farmers protest against mislabeled US products
Coldiretti, the largest organization of Italian agricultural entrepreneurs, is spearheading a Europe-wide petition for clear and unambiguous labeling on products entering the EU internal market. The petition, which has gained significant traction, aims to ensure consumers can easily identify the origin of the products they purchase.
Italy's trading relationship with Germany remains strong, with Germany being Italy's most important trading partner. However, the petition is not solely focused on the European market. In 2024, the USA emerged as a significant market for Italian food supplies, with exports increasing by an average of 11% over the past five years.
In 2024, agricultural and food products worth 7.9 billion euros were sold to the USA, an increase of 17% compared to 2023. Olive oil and red and rosé wine were particularly popular Italian exports to the USA. However, the rise of products with "Italian Sounding" names, such as Mozzarella, San Daniele Style Ham, and Wisconsin Parmesan, has created competition and caused a price drop for authentic Italian products.
Coldiretti criticizes these misleading labels, as they undermine the quality and authenticity of genuine Italian products. The organization supports "Made in Italy" agricultural products and has numerous initiatives in place to ensure fair payment to producers and guarantee the origin, authenticity, and quality of Italian products.
The petition demands that products should name the origin of all products, allowing consumers to know what they are buying and rely on the quality promise of "Made in Italy". According to Coldiretti's forecasts, US tariffs on wine, cheese, processed tomato products, or filled pasta could significantly impact Italy's export economy. Alone in wine exports, one can expect a turnover decrease of about 323 million euros annually due to US tariffs.
Subscribing to the Coldiretti newsletter implies acknowledgment of the privacy policy and the option to unsubscribe at any time. The newsletter provides updates on top stories of the day every workday. Coldiretti continues to advocate for clear country of origin labeling for all products entering the EU internal market.
It's important to note that while products like Mozzarella, San Daniele Style Ham, and Wisconsin Parmesan may carry Italian names, not all of these products are authentic Italian products. Mozzarella, for instance, is originally from Italy and is still produced there, particularly in regions like Apulia, often under protected designation such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP. However, some Mozzarella is also produced in Switzerland with Swiss buffalo milk. San Daniele style ham, while associated with Italy, is often produced under that name also outside Italy, mainly in other countries, but the exact countries are not specified in the search results. Wisconsin Parmesan, despite its Italian name, is produced in the United States.
In light of these developments, Coldiretti's advocacy for clear and unambiguous labeling takes on greater importance, ensuring that consumers can make informed choices and support authentic Italian products.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
- Abdominal Fat Accumulation: Causes and Strategies for Reduction
