Italians look to expand NZ footprint

However, one of the newest exhibitors at the 2023 event was a joint venture between the Italian Trade Agency, the Embassy of Italy in Wellington and the Italian ag machinery industry association FederUnacoma.

It was at Fieldays to promote Italian agricultural, horticultural and vineyard machinery producers – as well as component suppliers. The Italian site saw a mix of well-known brands such as Antonio Carraro and Arag and lesser-known brands like DigiDevice and Arbieri on display, with accompanying product specialists.

Italian Trade Commissioner for ANZ, Simona Bernardini, says there has been a very positive trend in Italian machinery exports to New Zealand in the last three years.

“In 2020, the companies we support shipped around $50m of product to NZ, climbing to $88.7m in 2022,” she told Rural News. “In the case of tractors, this was $26.5m, climbing $40.6m. Meanwhile, machinery climbed from $42.4m to $47.7m.”

Bernardini added that it was great to be exhibiting in New Zealand for the first time.

“Now we have no travel restrictions and a free trade agreement between NZ and Europe, we are excited to be able to build on existing relationships and of course, develop new business in both directions.”

Also attending was the Ambassador of Italy to New Zealand, H. E. Francesco Calogero – helping to promote trade and cultural activities between both countries. He noted the 2023 Fieldays was the first since Covid to be held with no border restrictions, although supply chain logistics and the Ukrainian conflict still created challenges. He suggested that it was the right time to “re-connect”, building on existing relationships and investigating new opportunities.

“We already have a healthy two-way trade in things like fine Merino wools and Kiwifruit, with Italian agricultural and horticultural machinery and speciality foods heading to the southern hemisphere,” Calogero told Rural News.

“What NZ locals probably don’t realise is that Italian companies are heavily involved in tunnel boring machines that are creating new stormwater drains under Auckland.”

Calogero also commented on the large communities of Italian descent currently living in NZ.

“We have around 7000 people registered with the Italian Embassy, but we estimate that there are around 25-30,000 people of Italian descent in NZ, with sizeable communities in Auckland and Wellington. It’s our job to help them keep their culture alive, promote a trans-country working holiday programme and also help develop trade in both directions.”

www.ice.it/en