Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI continues to represent one of the strongest symbols of Made in Italy in the world, a product that combines centuries-old tradition, cultural value and international economic impact.

This was discussed at the annual meeting of the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, where the focus was on production, the supply chain and global markets, and the UNESCO application for the “Tradition of Balsamic Vinegar between sociality, the art of know-how and popular culture of Modena and Reggio Emilia” was relaunched.

“PGI Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is not just a product, it is one of the strongest symbols of Made in Italy in the world, ranking first among all Italian PDOs and PGIs in terms of export share – said Cesare Mazzetti, president of the Consortium for the Protection of PGI Balsamic Vinegar of Modena –. Our supply chain not only combines quality and tradition, but also represents a sustainable and strategic economic model, capable of withstanding global tensions and strengthening the international reputation of Italian products”.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, addressed the Assembly with a video message: “With the Meloni Government, we have put in place a strategic vision and unprecedented investments to support Italy’s excellent agri-food products. Over 16 billion euros in three years have been allocated to production, protection and promotion, with 1.2 million dedicated to making companies more sustainable and targeted actions to combat Italian Sounding. We work as Sistema Italia and no one can stop us”.

Production and supply chain

The total annual production is between 93 and 95 million litres. The certified supply chain includes 59 vinegar producers, 165 producers of must and wine vinegar, and 2,400 farms that cultivate 14,000 hectares of vineyards. Overall, the Consortium represents 83% of certified production, a figure that underlines the central role of the Consortium in the protection and promotion of the authentic product.

Export and international markets

Internationally, over 93% of production is destined for export and distributed across more than 130 countries. The value of exports at the production stage exceeds €380 million, with an estimated retail value of around €1 billion. Compared to 2024, and despite the difficult economic climate, exports recorded an increase of 2.57%. Over 50% of exports are to non-European countries: the historically most important markets are the USA, Germany and France, with growth recorded in recent years in Asia, driven by South Korea and Japan.

Protection of the “Made in Italy”

The protection of geographical indications is strategic for the international competitiveness of Italian businesses. The global ‘Italian Sounding’ phenomenon, estimated to be worth over €120 billion (more than double Italy’s actual exports), demonstrates just how crucial it is to defend the authenticity of products. According to The European House – Ambrosetti, effective action against this could boost the potential of Italian agri-food exports from the current €70 billion to €126 billion. In 2025, thanks to the Consortium’s online monitoring, 45% of the 1,055 links analysed were corrected or removed, safeguarding the authentic brand internationally.

Cultural significance and UNESCO status

The UNESCO nomination for the “Tradition of Balsamic Vinegar: Social Interaction, Craftsmanship and Popular Culture in Modena and Reggio Emilia” is supported by a broad regional committee, comprising the Consortium for the Protection of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, the Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PDO, the Consortium for the Protection of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO, the Guild of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, the Confraternity of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia, the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, and the Ministry of Culture.

“The UNESCO nomination is a key project for the international recognition of balsamic vinegar culture. It is not only a historical and cultural symbol, but also an economic asset for Italy, capable of driving development and creating jobs in the region”, concluded Mazzetti.