Britain’s Love Affair with Italian Food Keeps Trade Flourishing

Remember being told by some anti-Brexiteers that if the UK voted for Brexit we wouldn't be able to enjoy Italian foods or wines at home? It turns out that this has not been the case.

Because from pasta suppers and pizza nights to a good espresso or a glass of Italian wine, Britain’s enthusiasm for Italian flavours shows little sign of fading. 

Now, the latest trade figures underline just how valuable that relationship has become.

Analysis from the Economic Observatory of Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, updated in June 2026, shows that food, beverages and tobacco were Italy’s largest export category to the UK in 2025. 

Together, they were worth €4.56 billion, accounting for 16.9% of Italian exports to Britain. Although the category includes tobacco, the figures highlight the commercial importance of products associated with Italy’s internationally recognised food and drink culture.

The wider trading relationship is substantial, too. Bilateral trade reached €34.5 billion in 2025, with Italy exporting €26.99 billion to the UK and importing €7.5 billion of British goods. That left Italy with a trade surplus of almost €19.5 billion.

Trade has continued into 2026, with Italian exports to Britain reaching €8.64 billion between January and April, producing a further surplus of €5.93 billion.

For British food retailers, restaurant operators and importers, these figures help explain why relationships with Italian producers remain commercially important. The UK was Italy’s sixth-largest export market in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 4% of its total exports. Italy also ranks as Britain’s seventh-largest supplier, with a 3.3% share of the UK import market.

Of course, bringing products across borders involves more than finding something delicious. Businesses must also manage trading requirements and establish reliable connections. One initiative helping suppliers and buyers make those connections is OpportunItaly.

Launched in May 2025, the platform reports generating nearly 170,000 qualified leads. It offers business matching, export guidance, market reports and trade opportunities across ten strategic Made in Italy sectors, including agri-food, and 20 international markets, among them the UK.

Its “Trade Fair Beyond the Trade Fair” approach aims to keep conversations going after exhibition stands have been packed away. During 2026, it supported Italian exhibitors at LAMMA Birmingham and IFE London. Meanwhile, its Buyers Club provides tailored support, manufacturer introductions and access to leading trade events.

For food lovers, the attraction is straightforward: opportunities to discover Italian products and the people behind them. For businesses, stronger connections could help turn that appetite into lasting partnerships.

Britain’s affection for Italian food is familiar. These figures show that it also remains a significant ingredient in the trading relationship between the two countries.