The 81st Assolatte General Assembly offered an in-depth overview of the trends reshaping the future of the Italian dairy industry, confirming the sector's resilience and growth potential despite an international landscape marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and evolving trade challenges.

With a total value of €28.5 billion, more than 43,000 employees, and nearly 2,200 active companies, the Italian dairy sector remains one of the country's flagship industries and a true ambassador of Made in Italy excellence. Export performance continues to be the primary driver of growth: in 2025, exports reached a record €6.67 billion (+4.6%), positioning Italy as the world's second-largest exporter of dairy products to non-EU markets.

During the first months of 2026, exports continued to grow (+3.8%), supported primarily by European markets such as Germany (+7.8%), Spain (+5.2%), the United Kingdom (+4.5%), and France (+3.3%), as well as by rapidly expanding destinations including Canada (+22.2%) and Japan (+13.6%).

The data presented during the Assembly clearly showed that the competitiveness of the Italian dairy industry is not determined solely by export volumes. Its real strength lies in the ability to enhance traditional products through innovation and specialisation, enabling Italian companies to successfully compete in the premium segments of international markets.

It is no coincidence that Italy has achieved a global leadership position despite lacking the production capacity of the world's largest dairy-producing countries. In this sense, the Italian dairy industry exports not only products, but also expertise, food culture, and manufacturing know-how.

This evolution also reflects the path undertaken by Caseificio Ignalat, which has been strengthening its international presence for many years.

Today, internationalisation represents a structural pillar of the Apulian dairy company's growth strategy. Its established presence in approximately 20 countries, the increasing contribution of exports to overall revenue, ongoing investments in research and development, the expansion of production capacity, and its commitment to sustainability are among the key drivers through which the company is responding to the ongoing transformation of the sector.

According to Vincenzo Ignazzi, Export Manager at Caseificio Ignalat: "Today, the real challenge is not simply exporting a 100% Made in Italy product, but making it competitive and accessible across very different markets, while maintaining high quality standards and consistency of service. Achieving this requires continuous investment and a constant ability to adapt.

Exporting can no longer be considered a natural consequence of product quality alone. It has become a complex process involving organisational efficiency, operational flexibility, reliability, supply chain management, and an in-depth understanding of international markets".

Perhaps the most significant message emerging from the 81st Assolatte Assembly is the confirmation of the Italian dairy industry's remarkable capacity to evolve.

The future of the sector will not be determined solely by production volumes or revenue. It will depend on its ability to keep generating value, driving innovation, and strengthening its distinctive identity in an increasingly competitive global landscape.