ROME, ITALY — A surge in Italian exports of wheat flour and semolina led to an industry record €337 million ($365.2 million) in 2022, according to the Pure Flour from Europe campaign, noting this was up €92.5 million from 2021, the year before the initiative began.

Sponsored by the Italian Milling Industry Association (ITALMOPA) and co-funded by the European Union, this initiative champions the quality, versatility and uniqueness of European and Italian organic soft wheat, durum wheat flours and semolina flour. Founded in 1958, ITALMOPA represents 82 Italian companies milling wheat to produce flour and semolina.

In 2022, 14.5% of the exports were sourced from organic agriculture, reflecting growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable products. Comparing the 2022 worldwide value of Italian exports of wheat flour and semolina with the pre-campaign year 2021, 2022 saw growth of €92.5 million, 11% deriving from exports to the United States and Canada, and 2 million from the increased export of organic wheat flour and semolina. Within its first year, the campaign said exports to the United States and Canada grew 150% for organic flour and 60% for semolina.

“Our goal is to increase demand among chefs, hospitality professionals and consumers in international markets like the United States and Canada,” said Piero Luigi Pianu, director of ITALMOPA. “European flours, especially Italian, are among the world’s finest in quality, safety and versatility. The EU’s rigorous food safety regulations and dedication to environmental sustainability are crucial in maintaining the vitamins, fibers, minerals and phytochemicals that make our flours more digestible, aromatic and nutritious.”